Salmon and spinach tart

Salmon and Spinach Tart: A Delicious and Flavorful Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that impresses both in taste and appearance, the salmon and spinach tart is the perfect choice. This recipe harmoniously combines fresh ingredients with Mediterranean flavors, creating a dish ideal for a special dinner or a family meal. Moreover, it is relatively easy to prepare, making it accessible even to those with little kitchen experience.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 600 g fresh salmon, cut into cubes
- 200 g smoked salmon, sliced
- 600 g frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 8 eggs
- 200 g sour cream
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- 200 g mozzarella, cut into small balls
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the tart dough:
- 250 g butter, at room temperature
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Flour, about 400 g (or as needed)

Preparing the filling

1. Prepare the spinach: Start by thoroughly draining the thawed spinach. It should be as dry as possible to avoid making the dough soggy.
2. Sauté the onion: In a heated skillet, add the olive oil. When hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the spinach: Place the drained spinach in the skillet over the onion and let it sauté for 5-7 minutes until all the water has evaporated. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add the salmon: Cut the fresh salmon into cubes and add it to the skillet, stirring to combine with the spinach and onion. Let everything cook together for 5-7 minutes until the salmon changes color. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool.

Preparing the tart dough

5. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, add the butter and eggs. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Add the baking powder, marjoram, basil, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until you obtain an elastic dough, but not too hard. You may not need to use the entire amount of flour, so add it gradually.
6. Line the pan: Roll out the dough on a floured surface so that it is large enough to cover the base and edges of a tart pan. Set aside a quarter of the dough for the lattice.
7. Place the dough in the pan: Transfer the dough to the greased pan, ensuring you cover all corners well.

Assembling the tart

8. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled spinach and salmon mixture, sour cream, beaten eggs, semolina, mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Mix well until homogeneous.
9. Fill the tart: Pour the spinach and salmon filling into the dough-lined pan, smoothing the surface. Place the slices of smoked salmon on top.
10. Create the lattice: From the reserved dough, roll it out and cut it into thin strips. Arrange the strips of dough over the filling, forming a lattice pattern.

Baking

11. Bake the tart: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the oven and bake the tart for about 1 hour or until the dough is golden and crispy. Check occasionally, as every oven bakes differently.

Serving and Suggestions

Once the tart is ready, let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce with dill for an extra burst of flavor. This tart pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine, which will enhance the delicate flavors of the salmon and spinach.

Practical Tips

- Vegetarian option: You can replace the salmon with feta cheese or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Freezing: The tart can be made and frozen. You can bake it, let it cool, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you want to consume it, you can re-bake it in the oven to reheat.
- Flavoring: If desired, you can add additional spices like turmeric or curry to give it an exotic taste.

Nutritional Benefits

This salmon and spinach tart is not only delicious but also nutritious. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants, contributing to a strong immune system. Mozzarella adds extra protein and calcium, making it a healthy choice for a satisfying dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use canned salmon? Yes, canned salmon can be a quicker option, but the fresh taste will always be more intense.
- How long can the tart be stored? The tart keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- What is the best type of spinach? Fresh spinach is ideal, but frozen spinach is a convenient and equally nutritious alternative.

The salmon and spinach tart is certainly a dish that will bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe will surely bring unforgettable moments in the kitchen. Enjoy!