Il Cucinologo
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Savory Tart with Grilled Vegetables

17/11/2023

Here’s the recipe for a savory tart with grilled vegetables, enriched with an Italian touch. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: you can use the vegetables you have on hand or that you prefer.

Ingredients

  • 1 roll of shortcrust pastry (or puff pastry, for a crispier version)
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 small eggplant
  • 150 g cherry tomatoes
  • 200 g fresh ricotta
  • 100 g grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino for a more intense flavor)
  • 2 eggs
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh or dried aromatic herbs to taste (basil, thyme, oregano)
  • Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for decoration)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing and cutting the vegetables into slices about half a centimeter thick. Grill the vegetables (zucchini, peppers and eggplant) on a hot grill or griddle until they are soft and have nice dark grill marks. Lightly salt them after grilling.

  2. Meanwhile, cut the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside.

  3. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta with the grated cheese, eggs, salt, pepper and aromatic herbs. Combine well to obtain a creamy mixture.

  4. Roll out the shortcrust pastry in a baking pan previously greased with a drizzle of oil or lined with parchment paper. Prick the bottom with a fork.

  5. Pour the ricotta and egg mixture over the pastry, leveling it with a spatula.

  6. Arrange the grilled vegetables harmoniously on top of the ricotta mixture, alternating the colors. Add the cherry tomatoes with the cut side facing up.

  7. If you like, sprinkle the edge of the pastry with sesame or poppy seeds for a crunchy and decorative touch.

  8. Bake the savory tart in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 30-40 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the pastry is cooked.

  9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

The savory tart with grilled vegetables is a colorful and flavorful dish that you can serve as an appetizer, main course or take to a picnic. The aromatic herbs and grated cheese add that Italian touch that makes every dish special. Enjoy your meal!

Trivia

The savory tart, also known as “quiche” in the French tradition, is a versatile dish that has roots in various Italian regional cuisines. Every family has its own version, sometimes enriched with ham, pancetta or various cured meats, depending on local tradition and creativity.