Delicious Zucchini Tart with Feta and Mint Recipe
Introducing the Zucchini Tart with Feta and Mint Recipe — a perfect summer dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for classic flavors. This meatless Monday recipe is full of nutritional benefits from fresh zucchinis, protein-packed feta cheese, and delicious pine nuts topped with aromatic mint, garlic, and egg mixture. Prepared with shortcrust pastry or grilled courgette, this tart is easily customizable and can be made ahead or reheated for effortless meal planning.
This versatile zucchini tart with feta and mint will leave you feeling filled up but not weighed down. It’s a great option for anyone looking to cut down on meats or switch things up in their diet with something vegetarian. The combination of feta cheese and zucchini creates a yummy balance of savory and sweet. The addition of mint adds an aromatic flavor that takes the whole tart to the next level of taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to cooking, this recipe is easy to prepare and will impress even the toughest of critics. All it takes is some quick slicing of zucchini ribbons or grilling if using that option, followed by layering ingredients over pastry slightly thawed halved then brushed with an eggwhite wash.
Not only is this dish healthy and flavorful, but it also presents beautifully on serving plates. The vibrant green hues of shaved zucchini create a picturesque base to build ingredients upon. Once baked, melted feta cheese permeates through the layers of veggies, resulting in a delectable treat for both your senses and taste buds.
So why not give this recipe a try? With its simple yet elegant touch, the Zucchini Tart with Feta and Mint Recipe will make for an unforgettable meal that you will want to add again and again to your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This zucchini tart with feta and mint recipe is the perfect summer dish! The classic flavors of zucchini and feta come together for a refreshing and delicious savory tart that will satisfy your taste buds.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. This dish can be served as a main course or as an appetizer at your next dinner party. It’s also a great choice for meatless Monday or any vegetarian meal.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is the combination of pine nuts, garlic, and mint. These ingredients add a depth of flavor to the zucchini and feta mixture, giving it an unforgettable taste.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. You only need a few key ingredients such as ready rolled puff pastry, zucchini, feta cheese, and mint. The preparation is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for beginner cooks or those in search of a quick mid-week meal.
Finally, this dish is not only tasty but also healthy. It contains whole wheat flour, which is an excellent source of fiber and minerals. Additionally, zucchini is low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C. All these benefits make it a guilt-free option you can enjoy without worries!
Overall, this recipe has everything you could ask for: it’s quick, easy to make, versatile, healthy, and above all delicious! So why not give it a try? Your friends and family will surely appreciate this fresh take on traditional flavors.
Ingredient List
Here is what you need to prepare a Zucchini Tart With Feta and Mint:
– 1 sheet ready rolled puff pastry, slightly thawed and halved
– 1 eggwhite
– 2 small zucchinis, cut lengthways into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– ½ pound Persian feta cheese, crumbled into pieces
– 1/2 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Combine these ingredients, and you’ll have the perfect summer meal or appetizer for any occasion. You can typically find most of these ingredients at your nearest grocery store or online.
The Recipe How-To
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the pastry:
- Roll out 1 sheet of ready rolled puff pastry.
- Halve the pastry and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Use a knife to trace a 1-inch border around each half, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Brush 1 beaten egg white over the border to encourage puffing.
Prepare the zucchini mixture:
- Use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons from 2 small zucchinis, lengthwise.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the zucchini ribbons with 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble and bake:
- Evenly distribute the zucchini mixture within each of the bordered pastries, building layer upon layer.
- Dot with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle with pine nuts.
- Brush more beaten egg over the top of the border and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Garnish with chopped mint, slice into squares, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy this delicious tart as a side dish for dinner or lunch or make it ahead and bring it to your next gathering. The zucchini feta mint tart is perfect for summer gatherings, meatless Mondays, and picnics in the park.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re interested in customizing this Zucchini Tart with Feta and Mint recipe and adding your own personal touch or accommodating specific dietary needs, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to modify this recipe while still retaining its delicious taste.
Firstly, if you are a vegetarian, this recipe is already good to go. However, if you want to switch things up, try adding some roasted chickpeas or tofu for extra protein. This will make the tart even more nutritious and filling.
For those who prefer an alternate cheese option, goat cheese or ricotta can easily substitute feta cheese. Both will give the tart a creamier texture that pairs nicely with the zucchinis’ freshness.
Swapping puff pastry for filo pastry is another alternative if you are looking to lower your calorie intake. Filo pastry is lighter and has fewer calories per sheet, which makes it an excellent substitute for making individual bite-sized tarts for snacking or enjoying as a light lunch. Furthermore, substituting shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry can provide the tart with another textural element, giving it a crumbly texture that complements the creaminess of the feta.
Additionally, replacing pine nuts with sliced almonds is another way to give your tart a different crunch. Almonds hold more nutrients than pine nuts despite having the same amount of calories per serving.
For those who want to incorporate different vegetables into their tart, try adding roasted cherry tomatoes or peas on top of the zucchini ribbons before baking for a pop of color and added flavor.
Don’t hesitate to experiment; there’s no right or wrong way to customize this tart recipe.
Serving and Pairing
This zucchini tart with feta and mint is a delightful mix of classic flavors and a perfect summer dish. Serve it warm as an appetizer or a light meal, paired with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine, and you’ll have a winner on your hands.
The savory, herby notes come from the mint, garlic, and feta cheese that form the base of this tart recipe. The tanginess of the feta is elevated by the subtle sweetness of pine nuts in every bite. And when combined with the tender sliced zucchini cut into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler, you have an appetizing dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
The best way to serve this zucchini tart is fresh out of the oven, with the pastry crust golden-brown and crispy. However, it can also be served at room temperature or even cold for lunchboxes or picnics. Simply slice it into wedges and pack it up alongside some fresh fruits for a healthy snack.
Vegetarians will love this meatless Monday zucchini and feta combo, but others may enjoy adding some grilled courgette or roasted zucchini slices to their serving to enhance the overall texture.
Overall, this tart recipe is versatile enough to work as an appetizer, side dish or main course depending on how you choose to plate it. With such delicious ingredients, any pairing will make it perfect for brunch or afternoon tea gatherings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Zucchini Tart with Feta and Mint recipe can be made ahead of time and is perfect for meal prepping or entertaining on a busy night. The tart can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat the tart, simply preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
If you plan on making this recipe ahead of time, we recommend baking the tart without the egg mixture and adding it just before reheating. This will ensure that your tart stays crispy and doesn’t become soggy.
Another great way to use leftovers is to slice the tart into small pieces and serve as party appetizers. The combination of savory flavors from the feta cheese, zucchini, and mint will make these appetizers a hit with your guests.
If you have any extra zucchini ribbons or mint filling, you can use them to add flavor to other dishes like salads, sandwiches, or even pasta dishes. It’s a great way to minimize waste while adding some variety to your meals.
In summary, this Zucchini Tart with Feta and Mint recipe is a versatile dish that can be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated easily. With its classic flavors of zucchini, feta cheese, and mint, this tart would be perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving a perfectly baked zucchini tart with feta and mint can be challenging, but with the right tips and tricks, you’ll be able to impress everyone at the dinner table. Here are some essential tips to ensure that your tart comes out perfectly every time.
When it comes to the pastry, using ready-rolled puff pastry is a delicious and time-saving option. However, make sure that it’s slightly thawed before you start working with it. If it’s still too cold, it may crack or tear. Additionally, halve the pastry and then brush it with egg white. This will not only prevent a soggy bottom, but also enhance the flavor of the pastry.
Meanwhile, when slicing your zucchini into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler, ensure that they are approximately â…› inch thick. Any thinner and they will break easily during the baking process, while any thicker will result in uneven cooking.
When preparing the filling, ensure that you mix the eggs, milk, and crumbled feta cheese thoroughly to create a homogeneous mixture. In this stage, add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the taste of the dish.
A helpful tip to keep in mind is that you should always cook your quiche or tarts on a preheated baking sheet. Not only does this help distribute heat more evenly from all sides of the dish leading to better cooking conditions but ensures that pastry will crisp up as well.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get adventurous with your choice of cheese – Persian or Greek feta cheese can add a unique tangy flavor to this dish. And if you’re feeling creative, consider including roasted tomatoes or grilled courgette for added depth of flavour.
By following these simple tips and tricks for creating a delicious zucchini tart with feta and mint recipe you’re sure to get great results every time.
Bottom Line
After following this Zucchini Tart with Feta and Mint recipe, I am confident that your taste buds and stomach will leave you feeling completely satisfied. This savory and flavorful dish truly highlights classic flavors of zucchini, feta, and mint in a unique and delicious way.
I can’t help but rave about the versatility of this dish – it’s perfect for a meatless Monday or even as a unique addition to a summer barbecue. Additionally, the recipe offers plenty of options for substitutions and variations, making it easily adaptable to fit any dietary needs or personal preferences.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!
In conclusion, I highly recommend trying out this Zucchini Tart with Feta and Mint recipe. The combination of flavors is simply unbeatable, making it a standout dish that your friends and family will be sure to love. Don’t hesitate to whip up this delicious tart for your next meal or gathering – you won’t regret it!
Zucchini Tart With Feta and Mint Recipe
Ingredients
For the Shell
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold (cut into little pieces)
- 1 -2 tablespoon cold water
For the Tart
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 medium zucchini, about 10 oz, sliced into 1/8 inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon garlic (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons mint (chopped)
- 1 egg, large
- 1 egg yolk, large
- 3/4 cup 18% table cream
- 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- For the Shell:
- Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Add butter and cut in until it is the size of small peas, using fingers or a pastry blender. Sprinkle in just enough water to bring the pastry together.
- Gather into a ball, wrap in plastic and put in fridge for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Roll out on lightly floured surface and press lightly into 9 inch tart shell with removable bottom.
- Par bake lined with foil and filled with pie weights or dry beans for 20 minutes. Remove foil and weights and prick with a fork several times on the bottom (be careful of your pan) Bake for 5 more minutes.
- For the Tart:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Melt butter in frying pan over med heat. Add zucchini, and saute 3 minutes or until beginning to soften. Add garlic and stir to combine. Turn heat to med-high and continue to cook for 1 minute or until zucchini is just cooked through and juices have evaporated. Remove pan from heat, stir in mint, season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside.
- Beat egg and yolk with cream until uniform. Season with salt.
- Sprinkle feta cheese over prepared tart shell. Pour over half of egg mixture. Add zucchini mixture in a even layer and pour over remaining egg mixture.
- Place tart on a baking sheet and bake in the lower third of the oven for 30 - 35 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Your Own Notes
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.