Rustic Zucchini Tart

The rustic zucchini tart is a delicious dish that can be served as both an appetizer and a main course. Here is how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients

• 1 roll of shortcrust pastry or puff pastry
• 3-4 medium zucchinis
• 3 eggs
• 200 ml of heavy cream
• 100 g of grated cheese (pecorino, parmesan, or a mix)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic
• Mixed herbs to taste (for example, basil, thyme, or mint)
• Butter for greasing the pan
• Extra grated parmesan for gratinating (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Grease a baking pan with some butter and place the shortcrust or puff pastry in it, making sure the bottom and sides adhere well, then prick the bottom with a fork.
3. Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds. In a pan, fry a clove of garlic in oil and add the zucchinis. Season with salt and pepper and let them brown slightly, then let them cool.
4. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the cream, a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the chopped herbs to taste and the grated cheese. Mix the mixture well.
5. Arrange the cooled zucchinis on the pastry base in the pan.
6. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the zucchinis.
7. (Optional) Sprinkle the surface with more grated parmesan for a crispy gratin.
8. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the surface is golden and the pastry is cooked.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Curiosity

In Italy, especially during the summer, rustic vegetable pies are a must for outdoor dinners or as a picnic lunch. The rustic zucchini tart can be personalized by adding other ingredients such as cooked ham, bacon, other vegetables or different cheeses to enrich the flavor.