Savory Tart

Here is a classic recipe for a delicious savory tart. This dish is versatile and can be adapted according to your personal tastes or the ingredients you have at home.

Ingredients

• 250 g of type 00 flour
• 125 g of cold butter
• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt
• Cold water (if necessary)
• 200 g of creamy cheese (such as ricotta or cream cheese)
• 100 g of grated cheese (like parmesan or pecorino)
• Vegetables of your choice (spinach, zucchini, peppers, etc.)
• Salt, pepper, and spices to taste
• 1 egg (for brushing)

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the shortcrust pastry: mix the flour with the cubed butter and a pinch of salt until the mixture is crumbly.
2. Add the egg and quickly knead, adding a little cold water if the mixture is too dry. Form a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
3. In the meantime, prepare the filling. If you’re using fresh vegetables, lightly cook them in a pan with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt until tender.
4. In a bowl, mix the creamy cheese with the grated cheese, add the cooked vegetables, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
5. Roll out the shortcrust pastry into a thin layer and use it to line a previously buttered and floured tart pan, prick the bottom with a fork.
6. Pour the filling onto the pastry base and level it well.
7. Finally, fold the edges of the pastry inward to create a raised rim. Brush the rim with a beaten egg to give it a nice golden color when baking.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 25-30 minutes or until the tart is golden and cooked through.

Curiosity

The tart is a very ancient dish that has its roots in Roman times, but it was only in the Middle Ages that it gained an identity more similar to its modern form. In Italy, it is very common to prepare it in both sweet and savory versions and it is often enriched with a variety of ingredients according to the season and the creativity of the chef.