Veggie Pearl Millet Tart Recipe
This Veggie Pearl Millet Tart is a delightful blend of nutritious ingredients like bajra (pearl millet) flour and a vibrant mix of veggies that add color and flavor to this unique tart. Perfect for a light snack or a special tea-time treat, this recipe combines the goodness of whole wheat, paneer, spinach, and bell peppers, all nestled in a delicious buttery tart base. It’s a healthy, savory, and easy-to-make snack that’s sure to impress at your next tea party.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Bajra Flour (Pearl Millet Flour) | 1/2 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter (cold) | 75 grams |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Chilled Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 2 tablespoons, crumbled |
| Spinach | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Cream Cheese | 1/4 cup (use Britannia Cream Cheese or any preferred brand) |
| Dried Oregano | As required |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 4 tablespoons |
| Red Chili Flakes | As required |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 1.6 mg |
This nutritional information is estimated based on the ingredients used.
Preparation Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 25 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 65 minutes |
Instructions
Follow these steps to create delicious and savory Veggie Pearl Millet Tarts. Perfect for your next snack or tea party!
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Grease tart molds lightly with oil and set them aside.
-
Prepare the Tart Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the bajra flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter, cutting it into small cubes, and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon sunflower oil, 2 tablespoons of cold water, and the baking powder. Ensure it is well mixed.
- Add this wet mixture to the flour-butter mixture and combine well to form a dough. It should be firm but pliable.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
-
Shape the Tart Shells:
- After the dough has chilled, divide it into small balls.
- Roll each ball out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Press each one into the greased tart molds, making sure the dough covers the mold evenly.
- Prick the base of each tart with a fork to avoid puffing during baking.
- Bake the tart shells in the preheated oven at 150°C for about 10 minutes, until lightly golden.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- While the tart shells are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a pan.
- Add the finely chopped red, yellow, and green bell peppers to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the crumbled paneer and spinach to the pan and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
- Season the mixture with black pepper powder, oregano, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together well.
- Allow the veggie mixture to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
-
Mix in the Cheese:
- Once the veggie mixture has cooled, fold in the cream cheese and mozzarella cheese. The filling should be creamy and rich, with a balanced blend of textures from the veggies and cheeses.
-
Assemble the Tarts:
- Remove the tart shells from the oven, making sure they are crisp and golden.
- Spoon the veggie-cheese filling into each tart shell, filling them generously.
- Grate a bit more mozzarella cheese over the top of each tart for a cheesy finish.
- Optionally, sprinkle some extra red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
-
Final Bake:
- Place the filled tarts back in the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, just until the cheese on top has melted and the filling is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and allow the tarts to cool slightly before serving.
-
Serve:
- These Veggie Pearl Millet Tarts are best served hot, making them a perfect snack for any time of day.
- Pair them with a slice of Orange Lemon Tea Cake and a cup of Adrak Chai for a truly delightful tea-time experience.
Chef’s Tips:
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to swap out the veggies with your favorite options. Mushrooms, sweet corn, or zucchini could be wonderful additions to the filling.
- Vegan Option: You can make this recipe vegan by substituting the paneer and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
- Crispier Tart: For a crisper tart shell, bake the tart shells for an extra 5 minutes during the first bake.
Enjoy this flavorful Veggie Pearl Millet Tart, bursting with vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients! Perfect for family gatherings, tea parties, or even as a healthy snack to enjoy throughout the week.
