Tuna and Tomato Tart

Tuna and Tomato Tart – a versatile, tasty, and simple recipe that adds a touch of elegance to your table. This savory tart is perfect for family lunches, dinners with friends, or even as a sophisticated appetizer at a party. Whether you choose to serve it warm or cold, each slice will delight you with its delicious combination of ingredients. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 140 g butter (at room temperature)
- 260 g flour
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons milk

For the filling:
- 2 small cans of tuna in its own juice (approximately 250-270 g of drained tuna)
- 2 medium tomatoes (preferably well-ripened)
- 70 g feta cheese (you can also opt for goat cheese if you prefer)
- 140 g canned corn
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 150 ml milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Delikat (or salt, to taste)
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons milk (for brushing)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Mix the dough ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with the flour, egg, salt, and the 4 tablespoons of milk. Use a mixer or spatula to mix until you obtain a smooth dough.
2. Form the dough ball: Once the dough is well combined, shape it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This step is essential as it helps the dough become easier to roll out and prevents it from shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Baking the dough

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) to heat well while you work with the dough.
2. Roll out the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you get a sheet about 3-4 mm thick.
3. Place the dough in the tart pan: Transfer the dough to the greased and floured tart pan. Ensure the dough covers the edges well. Meanwhile, use a fork to prick the dough so it doesn't puff up while baking.
4. Protect the dough: Cover the dough with a sheet of parchment paper and place a handful of dried beans (or a baking weight) on top to keep it flat. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, then remove the pan and carefully take off the weights.

Step 3: Preparing the filling

1. Heat the milk: In a small saucepan, bring 150 ml of milk to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and slowly add 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 3 minutes.
2. Add Delikat: After 3 minutes, add 1/2 teaspoon of Delikat for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assembling the tart

1. Mix the filling ingredients: In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, corn, and the milk sauce you prepared. Mix well.
2. Fill the tart: Pour the tuna and corn mixture over the tart dough, spreading it evenly. Then, add thinly sliced tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese on top.
3. Bake the tart: Return the tart to the oven for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are golden and the filling is well cooked. 5 minutes before removing it, brush the top with a mixture of egg yolk and the 3 tablespoons of milk for a shiny and appetizing appearance.

Step 5: Serving

1. Cooling: Let the tart cool for a few minutes before cutting it into slices. It is delicious both warm and cold, but personally, I prefer it cold as the flavors intensify and become more complex.
2. Serving suggestion: You can serve the tart alongside a fresh green salad or with a balsamic reduction for a pleasant contrast. A glass of dry white wine or a refreshing cocktail will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional information

The Tuna and Tomato Tart is a nutritious option, rich in protein due to the tuna and feta cheese, while the tomatoes and corn provide a good dose of fiber and vitamins. A serving of tart (approximately 1/8 of the recipe) contains about 250 calories, 15 g of fat, 20 g of carbohydrates, and 10 g of protein, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of fish instead of tuna?
Yes, you can replace tuna with salmon or sardines, which will add different and interesting flavors.

2. What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
Zucchini, bell peppers, or olives are excellent additions that will enhance flavor and texture.

3. How can I make the tart healthier?
For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour for the dough and reduce the amount of butter.

4. Is the tart suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the tart before baking. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. When you want to prepare it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it according to the instructions.

Possible variations

- Vegetable tart: You can replace the tuna with cooked vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli, for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese tart: Use various types of cheese (cottage cheese, mozzarella) for a richer filling.
- Spiced tart: Add herbs like basil or oregano to the filling for extra flavor and a more colorful appearance.

The Tuna and Tomato Tart is not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to express your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, I'm sure it will bring a smile to your face. Happy cooking!