Baked Whole Wheat Salsa Tart Recipe
Welcome to this delightful recipe for a Baked Whole Wheat Salsa Tart thatโs perfect as a snack or appetizer! With a golden, flaky crust and a vibrant, flavorful salsa filling, this tart brings together fresh ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese in a wholesome, healthy whole wheat crust. Perfect for dinner parties, casual gatherings, or even as a light meal, this tart combines the best of both worlds: hearty whole grains and zesty, spicy goodness.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1-1/2 cups |
| Butter (cut into 1/4-inch cubes) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chilled Water | 3 tablespoons |
For the Salsa Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spring Onion (bulb & greens) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Red Bell Peppers (Capsicum) | 2, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes (blanched & finely chopped) | 6 |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tabasco Original Hot Sauce | 1 teaspoon (adjustable) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: French
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Preparing the Whole Wheat Pie Crust:
-
Prepare the Dough:
Begin by preparing the pie dough. Start with the crust by placing the whole wheat flour, salt, and butter cubes into a large mixing bowl. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. When squeezed together, the mixture should hold its shape, but fall apart when released. -
-
Add Water:
Gradually sprinkle the chilled water over the flour and butter mixture, a little at a time. Using your hands, gently push the dough from the sides toward the center, forming a ball. Make sure to add only enough water to help the dough come together without becoming too wet. -
Form the Dough and Chill:
Transfer the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface and knead gently until the mixture comes together into a smooth dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is essential for a flaky pie crust.
Pre-baking the Crust:
-
Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a circle about 9 inches in diameter. -
Shape the Crust:
Transfer the rolled dough into a 9-inch tart pan and gently press it down, ensuring the dough fits into the pan evenly. If thereโs excess dough hanging over the edges, trim it off. Prick the base of the dough all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking. -
Pre-bake the Crust:
Place the tart pan in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and slightly crisp. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Salsa Filling:
-
Prepare the Salsa:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the prepared salsa ingredients: finely chopped spring onion, red bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, green chillies, cumin powder, Tabasco sauce, and olive oil. Season with salt to taste and stir until everything is well incorporated. Adjust the spice levels to your preference by adding more Tabasco if you like it hotter. -
Assemble the Tart:
Once the tart crust has cooled, pour the salsa mixture into the prepared crust. Spread it evenly across the base. -
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top of the salsa filling. -
Bake the Tart:
Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the tart to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
Serving:
- Cool and Serve:
Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the Baked Whole Wheat Salsa Tart as a flavorful appetizer, perfect for pairing with a glass of wine or a chilled beverage.
This Baked Whole Wheat Salsa Tart is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining a wholesome whole wheat crust with a spicy, savory salsa filling. Itโs the perfect vegetarian option for any party or gathering and will definitely be a hit with guests of all ages. Enjoy the crunchy texture of the crust paired with the zesty salsa and gooey melted cheese for an irresistible bite every time!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
Tips & Variations:
- For a Vegan Version: Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and opt for a plant-based cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the salsa filling, such as zucchini, corn, or mushrooms, for a more hearty tart.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a spicier tart, try adding some finely chopped jalapeรฑos or a bit of chili powder to the filling.
This tart is not only a delicious snack but also a healthier twist on traditional savory pies, thanks to the use of whole wheat flour. Try this recipe for your next gathering, and enjoy the flavors of a vibrant, home-baked dish!
