Savory puff pastry tart

Savory puff pastry tart is a delicious and versatile choice, perfect for a quick lunch or an elegant dinner. With a combination of savory mushrooms, pressed ham, and cheese, this tart will delight everyone's taste buds. Whether served alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer at a party, today’s recipe is simple, quick, and most importantly, full of flavor.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 package of puff pastry (approximately 275 g)
- 100 g pressed ham
- 250 g mushrooms (preferably champignon or shiitake)
- 100 g smoked cheese
- 100 g melted cheese
- 1 clove of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan
- 2 eggs
- 30 g butter
- salt and pepper to taste

The story behind the savory tart:
The savory tart is a dish that has its origins in long-standing culinary traditions, where dough with filling was created as a way to preserve available ingredients. Over time, this recipe has evolved, becoming a favorite in kitchens around the world, with variations that include various fillings. Today, we focus on a version with mushrooms and cheese, offering a rich and comforting taste.

Step by step for a perfect tart:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms. Make sure to wash them well and remove any dirty parts. The garlic will be finely chopped, and the ham will be diced into small cubes to integrate better into the mixture.

2. Sautéing the mushrooms:
In a large pan, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms release all their water and become golden. This step is essential to prevent a soggy tart.

3. Preparing the dough:
While the mushrooms are cooking, prepare the tart pan. Grease a tart pan with melted butter to prevent sticking. Roll out the puff pastry in the pan, making sure to cover the edges as well. You can use a rolling pin or simply stretch it with your hands. Ensure the dough is even and there are no air bubbles.

4. Assembling the tart:
Now it’s time to add the ingredients. Place the slices of smoked cheese on the bottom of the tart, followed by the pressed ham and sautéed mushrooms. The last layer will be the melted cheese, which you can cut into small cubes for even melting.

5. Preparing the egg mixture:
In a bowl, beat the two eggs together with the grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is well homogenized. Pour this mixture evenly over the filling in the pan.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Fold the edges of the dough that remain outside, creating a nice border. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the tart is golden and the filling is well set.

7. Serving:
After the tart is baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. It can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh tomato salad, which will add a note of freshness.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as brie or mozzarella, for a different flavor.
- Instead of pressed ham, you can use bacon or even vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- If you have time, you can make the puff pastry at home for a personalized touch.
- For a more intense flavor, add herbs like dill or basil to the egg mixture.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of mushrooms?
- Absolutely! You can try portobello, porcini, or even wild mushrooms for a more complex flavor.

2. How can I store leftover tart?
- The tart can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven before serving again to restore its crispy texture.

3. Is this tart suitable for vegans?
- You can adapt the recipe using vegan puff pastry and substituting the eggs with a mixture of banana puree or tofu.

Nutrients and calories:
This savory tart contains protein from eggs and ham, healthy fats from cheese and olive oil, and fiber from mushrooms. One serving has about 350-400 calories, making it ideal as a main meal or appetizer.

Ideal pairings:
To complement this tart, you can serve it with a fresh white wine or a cold winter tea. Additionally, a raw vegetable salad with lemon dressing will add a refreshing note and balance the rich flavors of the tart.

This savory puff pastry tart is definitely a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy and happy cooking!