Upside-Down Zucchini and Tuna Tart Recipe
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 6
This Upside-Down Zucchini and Tuna Tart is a delicious and savory treat that combines the freshness of zucchini with the rich flavors of tuna and Asiago cheese, all enveloped in a crispy puff pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its unique presentation and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 230g |
| Zucchini | 3 |
| Canned Tuna in Oil | 160g |
| Asiago Cheese | 150g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh Thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed |
Nutritional Information (approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by washing and drying the zucchini. Trim the ends, and set them aside. Next, peel and crush a garlic clove without removing the skin. Then, take the Asiago cheese, peel off its outer rind, and cut it into 1 cm thick, 3 cm long sticks. Set everything aside, ready for use. -
Cook the Zucchini:
Heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and let it infuse the oil for a minute. Then, add the sliced zucchini to the pan, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine. Sauté the zucchini for 4-5 minutes, ensuring that they begin to brown on the side touching the pan. Do not stir during this time to allow them to caramelize. Once golden and slightly crispy on one side, remove the garlic and set the zucchini aside to cool. -
Assemble the Tart:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Line the base of a 28 cm (11-inch) tart pan with parchment paper. Begin by arranging the cooked zucchini in the pan, ensuring that the golden, caramelized side is facing downwards, covering the entire bottom of the pan evenly. -
Add Tuna and Cheese:
Spread the canned tuna evenly over the zucchini layer, breaking it up with a fork. Then, scatter the Asiago cheese sticks over the top of the tuna. Finally, take the edges of the puff pastry and fold them inward, covering the filling slightly. Use a fork to prick the surface of the pastry, creating small holes to allow steam to escape during baking. -
Bake the Tart:
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy. Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before flipping it over. -
Serve:
After allowing the tart to cool slightly, carefully flip the tart onto a serving plate, removing the parchment paper. The zucchini, tuna, and cheese will now be visible on top, creating an eye-catching and delicious presentation. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve warm, and enjoy the savory, satisfying flavors of this unique dish!
This Upside-Down Zucchini and Tuna Tart combines the crispiness of puff pastry, the sweetness of zucchini, the richness of tuna, and the creaminess of Asiago cheese into a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that everyone will love. Perfect for a gathering or as a savory starter before your main course, this dish is a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.
