Fluffy tart with wild mushrooms

Fluffy Wild Mushroom Tarts

Welcome to a new culinary adventure! Today we will prepare together some fluffy wild mushroom tarts, a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for an elegant dinner or a refined appetizer. These tarts are a true delight, featuring a crispy puff pastry crust and a rich filling of wild mushrooms, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs. Additionally, they are ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts or 4 large tarts

Ingredients

- 400 g puff pastry
- 25 g butter
- 340 g mixed wild mushrooms, cleaned and chopped (forest mushrooms, porcini, or any other mushrooms you prefer)
- 50 g melted cheese (recommended: sheep cheese or goat cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 beaten egg (for brushing)

A Brief History

The tart, a dish with deep roots in European culinary tradition, has evolved over the centuries. From sweet tarts filled with fruits and creams to savory ones filled with vegetables, meat, or cheese, this dish has always been appreciated for its versatility. Wild mushroom tarts are a perfect combination of rustic and elegant, evoking memories of walks through the woods, where mushrooms are often found.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the dough: Start by rolling out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it is even. Use a knife or a cutter to make 12 circles of 8 cm in diameter or 4 large circles of 16 cm. Place the circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them to cool, which will help achieve a fluffy texture when baked.

2. Preparing the filling: Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a pan, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté for 5-10 minutes, until the liquid has evaporated. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the mushrooms are ready, remove the pan from heat and mix them with the melted cheese, parsley, and garlic.

3. Assembling the tarts: Take the dough out of the refrigerator. Use a knife to trace a 1 cm thick edge on each circle, being careful not to cut all the way through the dough. This step will help create a beautiful edge when the tarts bake. Divide the mushroom mixture in the center of the circles, being careful not to overfill to avoid spills.

4. Brushing and baking: Using a brush, glaze the edges of the circles with the beaten egg. This will give a beautiful golden color to the crust. Place the tray in the oven and let the tarts bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the dough is fluffy and golden.

5. Serving: The tarts are served warm, immediately after you take them out of the oven. They are delicious alongside a green salad with a light dressing or a side of grilled vegetables.

Useful Tips

- Choosing mushrooms: You can experiment with different types of mushrooms. If you can't find wild mushrooms, champignon or portobello mushrooms are an excellent alternative.

- Vegetarian option: If you want to make these tarts richer in nutrients, you can add spinach or zucchini to the filling.

- Freezing: The tarts can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray, let them freeze, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to prepare them, take them out of the freezer and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pastry dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Puff pastry provides a more pronounced flakiness and airy layer.

2. How can I make the tarts spicier?
Add some chopped chili pepper or chili flakes to the mushroom mixture for an extra kick of flavor.

3. Can the tarts be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a few hours ahead, keep them in the fridge, and bake them before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

These mushroom tarts are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants, especially if you use wild mushrooms. They are also low in calories, with about 200 calories per serving, making them a good choice for a lighter meal.

Serving Suggestion

To add a touch of elegance, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top before serving.

These fluffy wild mushroom tarts are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to bring the flavors of nature to your plate. So, embrace this recipe and enjoy every bite! Visit our blog for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration. Enjoy your meal!