Chard Tart

Swiss Chard Tart Recipe with Basil and Cheddar | From Switzerland

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chard Tart is a delicious and savory dish that combines the earthy flavors of Swiss chard with the richness of cheddar cheese, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

History

Chard Tart has its origins in traditional European cuisine, where leafy greens like chard were commonly used in savory tarts and pies. The combination of chard, onions, peppers, and cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 package of active dry yeast
1 tsp of granulated sugar
0.25 cup of warm water
3 tbsp of sour cream
1 egg
2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 tbsp of softened butter
0.5 tsp of salt

Filling

2 tbsp of olive oil
1 large white onion thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper seeded and thinly sliced
1 lb (454 g) of swiss chard
1 egg
0.25 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
0.75 lb (340 g) of grated cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Combine yeast, sugar, and water in a small bowl and let it sit until foamy, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine sour cream and egg, then stir in 0.5 cup of flour, butter, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture and mix thoroughly.
Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough is formed.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead lightly until it is no longer sticky, adding a bit more flour if needed.
Place the dough in a buttered bowl, turning to butter the entire surface.
Cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour.
For the filling, heat oil in a skillet and slowly sauté the onion until soft.
Add the pepper slices and sauté for 5 minutes longer.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then carefully rinse and clean the chard and chop it coarsely, including the stems.
Cook the chard and stems for 2 minutes in the boiling water, then drain well and squeeze out as much water as possible.
Stir together the egg, basil, pepper, salt, and cooked chard.
Grease a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to form a 14-inch circle.
Fit the dough into the tart pan, trimming the excess from the edges.
Spread the onion and pepper slices over the bottom of the tart shell, then cover with the chard mixture and top with cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes.
Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
Add cooked bacon or ham to the filling for an extra savory kick.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, like thyme or red pepper flakes, to customize the flavor of the tart.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze out as much water as possible from the cooked chard to prevent the tart from becoming soggy.

- Pre-baking the tart shell for a few minutes before adding the filling can help ensure a crisp and flaky crust.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Chard Tart can be served as a main dish with a side salad or as a savory appetizer for a party or gathering. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough until it is no longer sticky will help create a smooth and elastic texture.

- Sautéing the onions and peppers slowly will help caramelize their natural sugars and enhance their flavor.

- Pre-cooking the chard before adding it to the tart will help soften the leaves and remove excess moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Swiss chard, you can use spinach or kale as a substitute.

- Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a tangy twist.

- Margarine or vegetable oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling for the Chard Tart ahead of time and assemble and bake it when ready to serve. Store the unbaked tart in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chard Tart on a decorative platter or cake stand for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Chard Tart pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a mixed green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty baguette. For drinks, try serving it with a glass of Pinot Grigio or a light lager.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chard Tart can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tart in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chard Tart contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chard Tart contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chard Tart contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chard Tart contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chard is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. This tart provides a healthy dose of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, sour cream, butter) and eggs. It may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Chard Tart is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a wholesome meal option for those looking to incorporate more leafy greens into their diet.

Summary

Chard Tart is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of leafy greens with the richness of cheese in a flaky crust. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this savory tart for a light and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a simple yet elegant Chard Tart that caught my eye in an old cookbook that a dear friend had gifted me many years ago. The combination of the flaky pastry crust, the vibrant green chard, and the creamy cheese filling seemed like the perfect dish to serve at a dinner party.

I had never made a Chard Tart before, but I was eager to give it a try. I carefully read through the recipe, taking note of each ingredient and step. The recipe called for fresh chard, which I had never cooked with before, but I knew I could rely on my intuition and experience in the kitchen to make it work.

I set out to gather the ingredients, picking up a bunch of fresh chard from the farmer's market and selecting a sharp cheese to complement the greens. As I began to prepare the tart, I found myself lost in the rhythm of cooking. Chopping the chard, sautéing it with garlic and onions, and mixing it with the cheese filling filled me with a sense of calm and satisfaction.

As the tart baked in the oven, filling my kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When I finally took a bite of the Chard Tart, I was amazed by how delicious it was. The flavors of the chard, cheese, and pastry melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire, one that I would make again and again for family and friends. Over the years, I have shared this recipe with many people, each time adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own.

One day, while visiting a distant relative in the countryside, I had the pleasure of tasting a different version of the Chard Tart. This relative, an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye, welcomed me into her cozy kitchen and invited me to help her prepare dinner.

As we worked together, she shared with me her own recipe for Chard Tart, one that had been passed down through generations in her family. Her version included a secret blend of herbs and spices that elevated the dish to a whole new level of flavor.

I was captivated by her storytelling as she recounted memories of making Chard Tart with her grandmother as a young girl. Her eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she spoke of the laughter and love that filled her family's kitchen each time they made this dish.

I was touched by her generosity in sharing this cherished recipe with me, a stranger from the city. It reminded me of the power of food to connect people across generations and cultures, to create bonds that transcend time and distance.

As I left her home that evening, a handwritten copy of her recipe in hand, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the gift she had given me. I knew that I would treasure this recipe for Chard Tart, not just for its delicious flavors, but for the memories and stories that it held within its ingredients.

And so, as I continue to make my own version of Chard Tart for my loved ones, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of connection to all those who have shared their recipes with me. Each time I bake this dish, I am reminded of the love and generosity that flows through every bite, connecting me to a community of cooks and food lovers across time and space.