Veggie Pearl Millet Tart Recipe
A delightful savory snack, the Veggie Pearl Millet Tart is a perfect combination of earthy flavors and crispy textures. This tart is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a healthy, nutritious option, thanks to the inclusion of pearl millet (bajra flour) and whole wheat flour. It is stuffed with a flavorful filling made from crumbled paneer, fresh vegetables, and cream cheese, all baked to perfection. Whether served as a part of a special meal or a light snack, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Bajra Flour (Pearl Millet) | 1/2 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter (Salted, cold) | 75 grams |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Chilled Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | A pinch |
| For the Filling | |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese, crumbled) | 2 tablespoons |
| Spinach (finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers (Capsicum, finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Dried Oregano | As required |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 4 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli Flakes | As required |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare Tart Molds: Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease tart molds with a little oil and set them aside.
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-
Prepare the Tart Base: In a mixing bowl, sift together the bajra flour, wheat flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
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Make the Dough: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of oil, 2 tablespoons of chilled water, and the baking powder until well combined. Slowly add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well until a firm dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water, but it should be firm.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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Roll and Shape the Dough: After the dough has chilled, divide it into small balls. Roll each ball out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Gently press the rolled dough into the prepared tart molds, ensuring that the base is evenly covered. Prick the base of each tart with a fork to prevent puffing up during baking.
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Bake the Tart Shells: Place the tart molds in the preheated oven and bake at 150°C for 10 minutes or until the tart shells are lightly golden and crisp.
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Prepare the Veggie Filling: While the tart shells are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red, yellow, and green bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
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Add Paneer and Spinach: Add the crumbled paneer and chopped spinach to the pan. Stir well, and cook for another 1 minute. Season with black pepper powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and let the veggie mixture cool completely.
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Add Cheese to the Filling: Once the veggie mixture has cooled, fold in the Britannia cream cheese and mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine, ensuring a creamy filling.
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Fill the Tart Shells: After the tart shells have cooled slightly, spoon the prepared veggie filling into each tart shell. Grate a little mozzarella cheese on top of each tart and sprinkle with red chili flakes for an extra kick, if desired.
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Final Bake: Return the tarts to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Veggie Pearl Millet Tarts hot, alongside a refreshing Orange Lemon Tea Cake and a warm cup of Adrak Chai for a delightful snack or tea-time treat.
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even some peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add some chopped green chilies to the veggie filling.
Serving Suggestions:
- These Veggie Pearl Millet Tarts are perfect for a light afternoon snack or a party appetizer.
- They also pair wonderfully with a side salad or a bowl of soup, making them a versatile option for any meal.
Enjoy the delightful flavors and crispy texture of this Indian-inspired tart, bursting with healthy ingredients and rich flavors, perfect for satisfying your snack cravings.
