Ember Day Tart
Ember Day Tart Recipe - Vegetarian English Cuisine
Introduction
Ember Day Tart is a savory and delicious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This tart is filled with onions, fresh herbs, cheese, and eggs, all baked in a wholewheat pastry crust. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
Ember Day Tart is a traditional dish that dates back to medieval times. It was originally made by monks and nuns on Ember Days, which are days of fasting and prayer in the Christian calendar. The tart was a way to use up ingredients that were allowed during fasting periods, such as eggs, cheese, and herbs. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to include a variety of ingredients, but the basic concept remains the same.
Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) wholewheat or wholemeal pastry (made with 150 g (6 oz) wholewheat or wholemeal flour, 40 g (1.5 oz) each of butter and lard with a little cold water)
- 40 g (1.5 oz) butter
- 150 g (6 oz) onions, roughly chopped
- 12 fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried sage)
- 2 handfuls fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 75 g (3 oz) well-flavored cheese, grated
- 3 eggs
- salt, pepper, 0.5 tsp each ground cinnamon, ginger
- 180 ml (6 fl oz, 0.75 cup) milk
- 40 g (1.5 oz) raisins (optional)
How to prepare
- Prepare the pastry and line an 18–20 cm (7-8") flan case. Bake the case without filling.
- In a pan, melt the butter and gently cook the onions with the sage and parsley until they are just soft.
- Add the cheese, eggs, seasoning, and milk. Mix well.
- If using raisins, add them to the mixture. Pour the mixture into the flan case.
- Bake in a moderate oven (180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4) for approximately 20 minutes or until the tart is risen, firm, and lightly browned.
Variations
- You can add in other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes.
- For a meatier version, you can add in cooked bacon, ham, or sausage.
- You can experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the tart.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to cook the onions slowly and gently to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Be sure to season the tart mixture well with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer.
- You can customize this tart by adding in other vegetables or meats, such as mushrooms, spinach, or bacon.
- For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of different cheeses in the tart mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Ember Day Tart can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to pre-bake the pastry crust before adding in the filling to ensure a crisp and flaky crust.
- Cook the onions slowly and gently to caramelize them and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Make sure to mix the tart filling well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use a store-bought pastry crust instead of making your own.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer in this recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the tart filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake the tart. You can also pre-bake the pastry crust and store it separately until you are ready to assemble the tart.
Presentation Ideas
You can garnish the tart with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese before serving. You can also serve the tart on a decorative platter or plate for a more elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Ember Day Tart pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. It also goes well with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
You can store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the tart in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Ember Day Tart contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Ember Day Tart contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Ember Day Tart contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Ember Day Tart contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Ember Day Tart is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (cheese, butter, milk) and eggs.
Summary
Ember Day Tart is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.
Summary
Ember Day Tart is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Try making this tart for your next meal and enjoy the comforting flavors of onions, herbs, cheese, and eggs all baked in a flaky wholewheat pastry crust.
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Ember Day Tart. It was a chilly fall afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Mrs. Jenkins, who was known throughout the village for her delicious baked goods. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the air.
Mrs. Jenkins had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she beckoned me over to the kitchen table, where a golden-brown tart sat cooling on a wire rack. "I have something special to share with you today, dear," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "This is my recipe for Ember Day Tart, a traditional treat enjoyed by families in our village for generations."
I eagerly took a seat at the table as Mrs. Jenkins began to recount the story behind the recipe. She explained that Ember Day Tart was traditionally made to celebrate Ember Days – four times a year when the church called for fasting and prayer. The tart was meant to be a simple yet comforting treat that could be enjoyed by families after a day of reflection and spiritual renewal.
As Mrs. Jenkins shared the ingredients and method for making the tart, I listened intently, taking mental notes of each step. The recipe called for a delicate pastry crust filled with a sweet and tangy mixture of apples, raisins, and spices. Mrs. Jenkins emphasized the importance of using only the freshest ingredients and taking care to bake the tart until the crust was golden and flaky.
After Mrs. Jenkins finished explaining the recipe, she handed me a handwritten copy on a yellowed piece of parchment paper. "I know you'll do this recipe justice, dear," she said, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I can't wait to hear how it turns out for you."
Over the following weeks, I eagerly set to work mastering the art of making Ember Day Tart. I gathered the finest apples from the orchard, carefully measured out the spices, and lovingly prepared each element of the tart according to Mrs. Jenkins' instructions. As the tart baked in the oven, the sweet scent of cinnamon and apples filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that memorable afternoon with Mrs. Jenkins.
When the tart emerged from the oven, its crust golden and flaky, I knew I had succeeded in capturing the essence of this traditional recipe. I eagerly sliced into the tart, savoring each bite of the sweet and spicy filling. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of warmth and comfort that reminded me of the joys of gathering with loved ones around the table.
I shared the tart with my family and friends, who marveled at its delicious taste and asked for the recipe. I happily obliged, passing on the knowledge and tradition that Mrs. Jenkins had shared with me. As I watched my loved ones enjoy the Ember Day Tart, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the bonds of friendship and community that had brought this recipe into my life.
To this day, I continue to make Ember Day Tart for special occasions and gatherings, always remembering the kindness and generosity of Mrs. Jenkins in sharing this cherished recipe with me. Each time I bake the tart, I am reminded of the rich history and traditions that have been passed down through generations, connecting us to our past and nourishing us in the present.
As I sit down to enjoy a slice of Ember Day Tart, surrounded by the laughter and love of my family, I am grateful for the legacy of recipes and stories that have shaped my culinary journey. And I know that as long as I keep making this traditional treat, the spirit of Mrs. Jenkins and the generations before her will live on in each delicious bite.
Categories
| Cheese Recipes | English Recipes | Raisin Recipes | Sage Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes | Whole Wheat Flour Recipes |