Grana Padano and Leek Fillo Tarts
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4
These delicate tarts combine the richness of Grana Padano cheese and the earthy sweetness of leeks, all wrapped in crisp, flaky filo pastry. Perfect as a starter or for an elegant gathering, these tarts offer a unique and sophisticated flavor profile with their creamy filling and golden-crisp base.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Filo pastry sheets | 4 |
| Butter (melted) | 40g |
| Whole milk | 250g |
| Heavy cream | 60g |
| Cornstarch (cornflour) | 20g |
| Grana Padano DOP cheese | 70g |
| Egg yolks | 70g |
| Fine salt | 3g |
| Leeks | 4 |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | as needed |
Instructions:
Prepare the Tarts:
- Start by preparing the base of the tarts: stack the filo pastry sheets on top of one another.
- Cut the stacked pastry into four equal rectangles.
- Take one rectangle and separate the sheets. Place the first sheet on a clean surface and brush it generously with melted butter.
- Layer the second sheet on top of the first, and then fold the edges of the pastry over itself to form a small border. This will help keep the filling inside during baking.
- Press lightly to ensure the layers stick together.
- To prevent the pastry from puffing up too much while baking, fill the center with ceramic baking beads or pie weights.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the filo is golden and crisp. Once done, remove the tarts and let them cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Grana Padano Cream:
- While the tarts bake, begin preparing the creamy Grana Padano filling. In a bowl, combine the grated Grana Padano cheese with the cornstarch.
- Pour the milk and cream into a saucepan, and heat over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
- Gradually pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the bowl with the cheese and cornstarch, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens into a creamy custard.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking constantly until fully incorporated. Continue cooking for another minute or two.
- Once thickened, remove from heat, allow it to cool slightly, and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate the cream for at least 30 minutes to allow it to set and cool completely.
Prepare the Fried Leek Nests:
- While the filling cools, prepare the leeks. Trim the roots and the tough green tops, then slice the remaining white and light green portions lengthwise. Slice into very thin strips to create leek “noodles.”
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the leek strips for a few seconds until they become crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried leeks and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Tarts:
- Once the filo tarts have cooled, carefully remove them from their tart pans or molds.
- Place each tart on a serving plate and spoon 2 tablespoons of the cooled Grana Padano cream into the center of each.
- Top the tarts with the crispy leek nests, arranging them artfully atop the creamy filling.
- Serve immediately while the tarts are crisp and the filling is creamy, offering your guests a delightful appetizer to enjoy.
Tips for the Perfect Crostatine:
- Filo pastry tips: Be sure to keep the filo pastry covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while you work with it.
- Crispy leeks: Fry the leek strips in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lead to soggy leeks rather than crispy ones.
- Storage: These tarts are best served fresh, but if you need to prepare them ahead of time, assemble them and refrigerate the tarts and the cream separately. Assemble and serve the leeks just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15g |
| Fat | ~30g |
| Saturated Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
These tarts are a blend of indulgent flavors with a crispy texture, making them a fantastic choice for entertaining or as a sophisticated appetizer at any gathering. The Grana Padano cheese brings a nutty and savory richness, which perfectly complements the lightness of the filo and the sweetness of the fried leeks. Enjoy!
