Vegetable Tart

Delicious Vegetable Tart - a simple and economical fasting recipe

Are you looking for a fasting recipe that combines taste with simplicity? This vegetable tart is perfect for you! With a light dough and a flavorful filling, it will surprise you with its aroma and versatility in serving. Wherever you are, this tart will transform your meals into moments of culinary joy, even on fasting days.

The history of this tart is not specific to any particular culture, but rather a celebration of fresh ingredients found in traditional cuisines around the world. These simple recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, bringing us together around the table.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 450 g flour
- 200 ml cold sparkling water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- a pinch of baking soda
- juice of one lemon
- salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar

For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (or tomato paste)
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- a few cherry tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves
- fresh basil leaves
- salt, to taste
- marjoram and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Add the baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine evenly. Then, gradually add the cold sparkling water, mixing continuously. Finally, add the sesame seeds and cumin.

2. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and non-sticky. It should not be too firm, but rather soft and pliable. Let it rest for 15 minutes - this step is essential to activate the baking powder and baking soda.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, wash all the vegetables. Cut the eggplant and zucchini into medium slices and sprinkle a little salt on them. Let them sit for a few minutes to eliminate excess water. This step helps prevent a soggy tart. Then, wipe the vegetables with absorbent towels and place them on a hot grill, without oil, to brown on both sides. In a minute or two, the vegetables should be cooked, but don’t overdo it to avoid drying them out.

4. Assembling the tart: Divide the dough into two parts: one of 2/3 and the other of 1/3. Roll out the larger part in a baking tray, so that it covers the bottom and sides well. Spread the dough with ketchup (or tomato paste) - this will add extra flavor. Place the browned vegetable slices, plus the remaining chopped vegetables (bell pepper, onion, cherry tomatoes) on top. Sprinkle the desired spices, such as salt, marjoram, pepper, and the garlic slices. Tear the basil leaves and add them for an extra touch of freshness.

5. Finalizing the tart: Roll out the smaller part of the dough and cut out desired shapes using a special cutter. Flip this topping over the vegetables in the tray, gently pulling at the edges to form an attractive lattice.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the tart for 25-30 minutes. Although it won’t turn golden due to the lack of fat, it will be delicious and fluffy.

7. Serving: The tart can be served warm or cold, and for an extra burst of flavor, you can accompany it with fresh tomato sauce or a crunchy green salad.

Practical tips:

- Gluten-free option: You can replace the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond or rice flour, but you will need to adjust the amount of water.
- Adding protein: If you are not fasting, you can add feta or mozzarella cheese on top of the vegetables to enhance the flavors.
- Alternative vegetables: This recipe is very versatile! You can use any favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This tart is easy to prepare and offers a nutritious meal, rich in fiber and vitamins due to the vegetables. A serving contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stay fit. It is also a good source of antioxidants, thanks to the fresh vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen vegetables?: Yes, but it is recommended to let them thaw and drain well before use, to avoid excess water in the tart.
- Can it be prepared in advance?: Absolutely! The tart can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven before serving to restore its crunchy texture.
- What drinks pair well with this tart?: A fresh lemonade or a light white wine would be excellent choices to accompany this delicious tart.

We hope this recipe inspires you to try it at home. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or a gathering with friends, the vegetable tart will always bring smiles and compliments to your table! Enjoy!