A flavorful and versatile savory tart with a rich creamy filling, crispy bacon, and colorful vegetables. Paired with a refreshing arugula salad and zesty dressing, this dish is perfect for brunch, dinner, or special occasions.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Tart Base:
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp cold water
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) cream
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dry garlic powder
- 1 tsp basil
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Salad:
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh arugula
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ tsp cardamom
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
Directions
Prepare the Tart Base:
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Add cold butter and rub into the flour until crumbly.
- Add the egg and cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and press into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim edges and prick the base with a fork.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake the crust for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cream, salt, garlic powder, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until soft. Set aside.
- Add cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture.
Assemble the Tart:
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked tart crust.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (356°F) and bake for 25 minutes, or until the center is set.
Prepare the Salad:
- Whisk cream cheese, mayonnaise, orange juice, lemon juice, cardamom, and balsamic glaze in a small bowl.
- Toss arugula with sunflower seeds and drizzle with the dressing.
Serve:
- Slice the tart and serve warm with the arugula salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread with fresh bread and fruit.
Cooking Tips
- Use cold butter for a flakier crust.
- Substitute bacon with smoked salmon or omit for a vegetarian option.
- Ensure the tart filling is set by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs: High-quality protein and essential nutrients.
- Arugula: Rich in vitamins K and C and antioxidants.
- Sunflower Seeds: Provide healthy fats and vitamin E.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- Vegetarian if bacon is omitted.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 8 servings):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Storage
- Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes.
- Salad should be dressed just before serving to maintain freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the richness of a creamy tart with the freshness of a crisp salad.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to customize.
- Ideal for entertaining or a casual family meal.
- Packed with flavor, texture, and color for an impressive presentation.
Conclusion
This Savory Tart with Creamy Filling and Arugula Salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines classic flavors with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Whether for brunch or dinner, its creamy filling, crispy bacon, and zesty salad dressing make every bite delightful. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the tart crust ahead of time? Yes, prepare and bake the crust up to 1 day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
- Can I use store-bought pie crust? Yes, a pre-made crust saves time and works well.
- What other vegetables can I add to the filling? Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions.
- How do I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
- Can I freeze the tart? Yes, freeze baked slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Can I make the salad vegan? Yes, use plant-based cream cheese and mayonnaise.
- What type of cheese is best for the tart? Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, or a mix works beautifully.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the tart and salad separately in the refrigerator.
- Can I add herbs to the crust? Yes, mixing fresh or dried herbs into the crust adds extra flavor.
- What’s the best way to serve this dish? Serve warm with freshly tossed salad for the best flavor and texture.
Enjoy this elegant and flavorful dish for any occasion!