This Spinach and Mozzarella Tart is a savory delight featuring a flaky, buttery crust, a creamy custard filling, and a vibrant spinach-onion mixture. With its balance of rich cheese and wholesome vegetables, it’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Preparation Time
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Wheat Flour: 200 grams (1 2/3 cups)
- Butter: 80 grams (5.6 tablespoons), cold
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/3 teaspoon
- Egg: 1 large
- Cold Water: 1-2 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice (optional): 1 tablespoon
For the Filling:
- Spinach: 300 grams (10.6 oz), fresh
- Onion: 1-2 medium, diced
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
- Mozzarella Cheese: 200 grams (7 oz), grated
- Salt: To taste
- Black Ground Pepper: To taste
For the Custard Fill:
- Eggs: 2 large
- Sour Cream or Thick Yogurt: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/3 teaspoon
Directions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 200 grams flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/3 tsp salt.
- Add 80 grams cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in 1 egg, 1-2 tbsp cold water, and 1 tbsp lemon juice (if using) until the dough just comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling
- Wash and roughly chop 300 grams of spinach.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1-2 diced onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Grate 200 grams of mozzarella cheese and set aside.
- Prepare the Custard Fill
- In a bowl, beat 2 eggs with 3 tablespoons sour cream or thick yogurt until smooth. Add 1/3 tsp salt and mix well.
- Assemble the Tart
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough and transfer it to a 22 cm (9-inch) tart pan. Press the dough into the edges and trim any excess.
- Spread the spinach and onion mixture over the dough, then sprinkle the grated mozzarella on top.
- Pour the custard over the filling, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Tart
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set with a slight wobble in the center.
- Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve
- Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with a light salad or on its own for a satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips
- Chill the dough to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Ensure the filling is not too hot when assembling the tart to avoid a soggy crust.
Nutritional Benefits
This tart is rich in protein from eggs and cheese, while spinach adds vitamins A and K, and fiber. It’s a wholesome and flavorful dish that’s great for any time of the day.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the tart’s crisp texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tart is a wonderful balance of flaky crust, creamy custard, and nutritious filling. It’s easy to prepare and can be adapted with different cheeses or greens based on your preference. Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests!
Conclusion
Whether for a cozy brunch or a light dinner, this Spinach and Mozzarella Tart will impress with its savory richness and vibrant flavors. It’s versatile, satisfying, and makes the most of simple ingredients like fresh spinach and melty mozzarella. Enjoy!