Rustic Italian Savory Tart (Crostata Rustica all’Italiana)
Category: Savory Tarts
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 200g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 400g |
| Water (cold) | 140ml |
| Grana Padano DOP (grated) | 100g |
| Ricotta (cow’s milk) | 400g |
| Asparagus | 400g |
| Fontal cheese (cubed) | 150g |
| Whole milk | 150ml |
| Peas | 100g |
| Carrots | 100g |
| Zucchini | 100g |
| Fresh basil leaves | 6 |
| Black olives (pitted) | 50g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Ground nutmeg | To taste |
| Egg | 1 |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry (Pasta Brisée)
To begin making your Italian rustic tart, start by preparing the shortcrust pastry. Place the sifted flour, cold butter (cut into pieces), and a pinch of salt into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Transfer the crumbly dough onto a clean work surface and shape it into a well, like a volcano, and then add the grated Grana Padano cheese to the center. Gradually add the cold water, little by little, and knead vigorously until the dough is smooth and firm.
Once ready, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 40 minutes to chill and firm up.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rests in the fridge, work on the tart filling. Start by preparing the asparagus: trim off the woody ends and peel the stalks with a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer layer. In an asparagus steamer, cook the asparagus until tender, keeping the tips exposed to prevent overcooking. Once cooked, cut the asparagus into rounds.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and sauté a whole garlic clove. Add the peas, diced zucchini, and carrots, and cook for a few minutes. Turn off the heat, then add the asparagus, salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves for flavor.
In a fine-mesh sieve, strain the ricotta to remove excess moisture. Combine the ricotta with the milk, and stir until smooth. Add the sliced black olives to the mixture and gently fold in the Fontal cheese cubes.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Take the chilled pastry dough out of the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a round shape, about ½ cm thick. Using a rolling pin, transfer the dough to a 28 cm tart pan. Trim off the excess dough around the edges using a pastry cutter.
Use a fork to prick the base of the pastry dough to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Next, cut a piece of parchment paper that fits the size of the pan, dampen it, and wring it out. Place this paper on top of the dough, and fill it with dried beans or baking weights to keep the crust flat as it bakes.
Step 4: Blind Bake the Pastry
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for static ovens (or 160°C/320°F for fan-assisted ovens). Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or 20 minutes if using a fan oven.
Once the pastry is done, remove the tart from the oven and discard the parchment paper with the weights.
Step 5: Fill the Tart
Carefully fill the pastry crust with the vegetable and cheese mixture, spreading it evenly to the edges. If you have any leftover dough, roll it out and use a pastry wheel to cut thin strips. Lay these strips across the top of the tart in a crisscross pattern, creating a lattice effect.
To decorate the edge, roll the remaining dough into a long strip, then twist it into a spiral and attach it around the perimeter of the tart.
Step 6: Finish and Bake
Brush the surface of the tart with a beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden finish.
Bake the tart for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is set.
Step 7: Serve
Allow the savory rustic tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This delicious tart is perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or a savory appetizer for dinner. Enjoy the flavors of Italy with this rich and hearty vegetable-filled pastry!
Nutritional Information:
(Values are approximate and based on serving size of 1 slice)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
This Crostata Rustica all’Italiana combines the richness of a buttery shortcrust pastry with the wholesome goodness of vegetables and cheeses, making it a perfect savory dish to enjoy with family and friends. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s an inviting and flavorful choice that brings a taste of Italy right to your table.
