Zucchini and feta cheese tart

Zucchini and Feta Tart

The zucchini and feta tart is a delicacy that harmoniously combines flavors and textures, offering a remarkable culinary experience. This dish is ideal for a light lunch or as an appetizer at a festive meal. Its origins are deeply rooted in diverse culinary traditions, where vegetables and cheese intertwine in unique ways, paying homage to simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 75 g feta cheese (for an intense flavor)
- 100 g cold butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons very cold water
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 4 fresh parsley leaves
- Pepper to taste

For the filling:
- 100 g feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon cooking cream
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- A few fresh mint leaves

For the topping:
- 350 g young zucchini (raw)

Necessary utensils
- Bowls
- Food processor (optional)
- Baking tray (36x33 cm)
- Parchment paper
- Mortar for crushing garlic
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Fork

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the zucchini:
Start by peeling (or not, depending on your preference) the zucchini. Wash it well and slice it into very thin rounds. Place them in a large bowl, sprinkle with coarse salt, and set aside for about 30 minutes. This step is important as the salt will help the zucchini release excess water, preventing the tart from becoming soggy.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a bowl, combine the flour, a pinch of pepper, crumbled feta, cold butter cut into cubes, and chopped herbs. Use a food processor to mix the ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. If you don't have a food processor, you can use your fingers to knead the ingredients.
In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the very cold water and add the mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough until it comes together, adding 1-2 more tablespoons of cold water if needed. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

3. Preparing the filling:
In the meantime, crush the garlic with the herbs and olive oil in a mortar until you get a fragrant paste. In a separate bowl, mix the feta cheese with the cooking cream. After the zucchini has been salted, drain it well and place it on absorbent towels to remove excess water.

4. Assembling the tart:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a round sheet about 4-5 mm thick, with a diameter slightly larger than the baking tray. Cut the dough according to the size of the tray and transfer it using a rolling pin into the tray (lined with parchment paper). Prick the dough all over with a fork.

5. Initial baking:
Bake the dough in the oven for 10 minutes, until it becomes lightly golden. This will help create a crispy base for your tart.

6. Adding the filling:
In the meantime, incorporate half of the flavored oil into the cheese and cream mixture. Once the dough is ready, remove it from the oven and spread the cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface. Arrange the zucchini slices in circles, starting from the center and working towards the edges. Brush the top with the remaining flavored oil.

7. Final baking:
Return the tart to the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchini are beautifully browned and the cheese melts deliciously.

8. Serving:
The tart can be served warm or cold, plain or alongside a fresh salad. It is an excellent choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. A personal touch I recommend is to add a few fresh mint leaves on top for an extra burst of flavor and an attractive appearance.

Suggestions and variations

- Vegetarian option: You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or red onions to diversify the flavor.
- For a spicy taste: Add a few thin slices of chili pepper to the zucchini mixture.
- Using leftover dough: With the leftover dough from the tart, you can create delicious breadsticks. Roll it out, cut it into thin strips, and twist them to form spirals. Bake them in the oven until crispy.

Nutritional information

This zucchini and feta tart is a healthy option, rich in fiber and protein, thanks to the vegetables and cheese. Consuming zucchini provides benefits such as hydration and essential vitamin intake. One serving contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Can the tart be frozen? It is recommended to consume it fresh, but you can freeze individual portions. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent excessive freezing.
- What drinks pair well with the tart? A salad with lemon dressing and olive oil is perfect, and a dry white wine complements the dish excellently.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to start cooking. Enjoy your meal!