Forest Tart

Forest Tart

If you're looking for a recipe that brings the taste of nature straight to your table, the forest tart is the perfect choice. This delicious recipe, also known as tortino di bosco, combines the flavors of fresh mushrooms with the tender textures of a pastry crust, offering a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Ideal for a special dinner or a savory lunch, this tart is sure to impress everyone.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 500 g fresh mushrooms (choose forest mushrooms, champignon, or a combination)
- 500 g savory brisée pastry (you can also use puff pastry if you prefer a sweeter taste)
- 50 g butter
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 egg yolk
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste

Necessary utensils

- Round baking dish
- Baking paper
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife for slicing mushrooms
- Small bowl for mixing the egg yolk

Short history

The forest tart is a traditional dish rooted in rustic cuisine, where fresh and seasonal ingredients were commonplace. Mushrooms, often foraged from the woods, provide a unique flavor, and the use of brisée pastry, a simple combination of flour, butter, and water, makes this tart accessible to anyone. Whether served warm or at room temperature, the forest tart is a symbol of gastronomy that celebrates nature.

Preparation

1. Preparing the pastry: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the brisée pastry in the round baking dish, ensuring you cover the edges evenly. Use baking paper to cover the pastry, and to prevent it from puffing up, add some dried beans or hazelnuts on top. This will maintain the shape of the pastry during baking.

2. Baking the pastry: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pastry for 30 minutes. It should be lightly browned and have a crispy texture.

3. Preparing the filling: While the pastry bakes, wash and clean the mushrooms. Slice them thinly so they cook evenly. Heat the butter in a frying pan over medium heat and add the mushrooms. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

4. Seasoning: Once the mushrooms have softened and released their juice, add salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir well to combine the flavors, then remove the pan from the heat.

5. Finalizing the filling: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with the lemon juice. Add the mushroom mixture to this bowl and mix well to create a creamy and flavorful filling.

6. Assembling the tart: After 30 minutes of baking the pastry, remove the dish from the oven and carefully remove the beans or nuts. Pour the mushroom mixture over the baked pastry, spreading it evenly so it bakes uniformly.

7. Final baking: Return the tart to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, until the filling is well set and the pastry turns golden.

8. Serving: Once the tart is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh green salad or even with a flavored yogurt sauce.

Useful tips

- Mushrooms: Choose fresh, high-quality mushrooms. You can experiment with different types of mushrooms for a varied flavor.
- Parsley: Use fresh parsley, as it will bring a note of freshness to your tart.
- Vegan option: If you want a vegan version, you can replace the butter with olive oil and the egg yolk with a mixture of ground flaxseeds and water.
- Variations: You can add cheese, such as brie or feta, to intensify the flavor of the tart.

Frequently asked questions

- Why should I use baking paper?: Baking paper helps prevent the pastry from sticking to the dish and makes it easier to remove the tart after baking.
- How long does the tart take to cool?: It is recommended to let the tart cool for 10-15 minutes to stabilize.
- How can I store the tart?: The tart can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before serving.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of forest tart has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Mushrooms are an excellent source of plant-based protein, B vitamins, and antioxidants, beneficial for the immune system and metabolism. The brisée pastry, while higher in calories, provides an energy boost, ideal for a complete meal.

Serving suggestions

To transform this tart into an even more special dish, you can serve it alongside a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the tart. Additionally, an arugula salad with nuts and goat cheese will add a pleasant contrast.

The forest tart is more than just a dish; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and flavor. I invite you to try it and enjoy every bite!