Meat and Zucchini Pie

Meat and Zucchini Tart – a savory recipe that combines the delicate texture of the dough with a rich and flavorful filling. This tart is not only a delicious dish but also an excellent way to bring together seasonal ingredients in perfect harmony. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or simply as a tasty lunch, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 2 egg yolks
- 75 ml milk
- 240 g flour

For the filling:
- 500 g lamb meat (cut into cubes)
- 4 zucchinis (sliced)
- 2 onions (julienned)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (grated)
- 2 potatoes (boiled in their skins and sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (blanched, peeled, and sliced)
- 250 g cheese (like Philadelphia or another creamy cheese)
- Salt and freshly ground mixed pepper
- Fresh thyme and rosemary
- Olive oil
- A drop of pomegranate sauce
- 50 ml dry red wine

The story behind the recipe

The Meat and Zucchini Tart is a recipe that has been passed down through generations, being a versatile and flavorful dish. This tart combines the traditional technique of preparing the dough with fresh ingredients, paying homage to the season and the richness of nature. The use of lamb meat, combined with seasonal vegetables, transforms this dish into a unique culinary experience.

Step by step: Preparing the tart

1. Preparing the dough

Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the soft butter with the egg yolks. Mix well with a spatula until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Add the milk and flour, mixing carefully without over-kneading. The dough should not become elastic but should have a slightly crumbly texture. Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the filling

While the dough cools, you can start on the filling. In a non-stick pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Add the cubed lamb meat, mixing well. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Add a drop of pomegranate sauce and the red wine, then let it simmer until the meat becomes tender, about 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile, slice the zucchinis and sprinkle a little salt over them to let them drain. This step helps remove excess water, which will prevent the tart from becoming soggy.

3. Assembling the tart

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a tart pan with butter. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface so that it is larger than the pan. Place the dough sheet in the pan, making sure to cover the edges as well.

Start adding the filling in layers: the lamb meat, followed by slices of potatoes and zucchinis. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, beat the 3 eggs with the cheese, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the filling, ensuring it covers all the ingredients.

4. Cooking

Place the slices of tomato on top of the tart for an attractive look and added flavor. Put the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55 minutes, until the tart turns golden and the filling is well cooked.

Serving and suggestions

Let the tart cool slightly before slicing, allowing the ingredients to stabilize. It can be served warm or at room temperature, perfect for lunch or dinner. You can accompany it with a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette, or with a glass of dry red wine to complement the flavors.

Useful tips

- Ensure that the ingredients are fresh. The lamb meat should be of good quality, and the zucchinis should be crisp.
- If you prefer, you can substitute lamb with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add some green or black olives to the filling.
- The tart can be frozen, so you can prepare a double portion and enjoy it later.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace the lamb with chicken or turkey. Additionally, a vegetarian version can include mushrooms and seasonal vegetables.

2. What type of cheese can I use instead of Philadelphia?
You can use goat cheese or ricotta for a different note, but make sure the cheese is creamy to achieve a smooth filling.

3. How can I make the dough crispier?
For a crispier dough, you can add a teaspoon of vinegar to the dough mixture.

The Meat and Zucchini Tart is not just a dish, but a family story, a way to bring together ingredients and loved ones. Each slice is a reminder of culinary traditions, and each bite is a celebration of flavor. Enjoy every moment!