Savory Ricotta Tart Recipe
This Savory Ricotta Tart combines the rich and creamy flavors of ricotta cheese with the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic basil, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. While it makes a fantastic addition to a tea party spread, this versatile tart can also serve as a savory appetizer for a dinner gathering or a light meal any time of day. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, the classic, bold flavors of this tart will make it a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and undeniably delicious.
Ingredients for Savory Ricotta Tart
For the Shortcrust Pastry:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salted Butter | 125 grams |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 240 grams |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ricotta Cheese | 1 cup |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | ¼ cup |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 7 |
| Black Olives | 6 |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 90 minutes
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F) to prepare it for baking.
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Prepare the Tart Tin: Lightly grease a 21 cm (8-inch) loose-bottomed fluted tart tin or use 12 mini tart molds, depending on your preference. This recipe can be made into one large tart or multiple mini tarts.
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Make the Shortcrust Pastry:
- Place the salted butter, all-purpose flour, and salt into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and lemon juice to the mixture and process until the dough forms a ball.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it to bring it together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this will result in a tough crust.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and become easier to handle.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, torn basil leaves, sliced black olives, red chili flakes, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated, then set the mixture aside.
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Roll and Blind Bake the Pastry:
- Take the chilled pastry dough out of the refrigerator and roll it into a thickness of about 2-3 mm. If the dough is sticky, dust it lightly with some flour or use a baking sheet to roll it out.
- Carefully lift the rolled dough and ease it into the prepared tart tin, pressing it gently into the edges and corners. Trim off any excess dough with a sharp knife, and prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Lay a sheet of baking paper over the dough, and fill it with baking beans, rice, or dried beans for blind baking. Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns a golden brown color.
- Once the base is golden, remove the baking paper and beans, and return the tart shell to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the bottom.
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Fill and Bake the Tart:
- Once the pastry shell is fully blind-baked and crisped, carefully spoon the prepared ricotta filling into the tart base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the tart in the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the Savory Ricotta Tart to cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm as a light appetizer or alongside a mixed vegetable pasta for a wholesome dinner. Its savory, creamy filling combined with the flaky crust is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more!
Allergen Information:
- Gluten: This recipe contains all-purpose flour, so it is not suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
- Dairy: Ricotta cheese is a dairy product, making this recipe unsuitable for those with a dairy allergy or those following a vegan diet.
- Egg: The recipe includes a whole egg in the shortcrust pastry, which should be considered by those with egg allergies.
Dietary Preferences:
- Eggetarian: This recipe is suitable for those following an eggetarian diet, as it includes eggs but avoids other animal-based ingredients like meat or fish.
- Vegetarian: As it does not contain any meat, this recipe is also suitable for vegetarians, provided they consume dairy.
Additional Tips:
- Customizing the Filling: Feel free to add other herbs or vegetables to the filling, such as thyme, rosemary, or sautéed spinach, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Make Ahead: The tart pastry dough can be made ahead of time and kept chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Mini Tart Variations: If you’re preparing mini tarts, keep an eye on the baking time, as the smaller size will require slightly less time in the oven.
Conclusion:
The Savory Ricotta Tart is a perfect dish for a variety of occasions. With its creamy ricotta filling, fragrant herbs, and savory ingredients, this tart can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a light dinner. It’s a simple yet elegant way to impress your guests with minimal effort, while still delivering a flavorful and satisfying dish. Whether you serve it at a tea party or for a cozy dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
