Picnic Tart

Picnic Tart Recipe - Italian Spinach and Beef Tart with Mozzarella Cheese and Pine Nuts

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Picnic Tart is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for a picnic or any casual gathering. This recipe combines ground beef, sausage, spinach, cheese, and roasted red peppers in a flavorful and satisfying tart.

History

The Picnic Tart recipe is a modern twist on traditional savory tarts. Tarts have been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. This particular recipe combines classic ingredients in a unique and tasty way.

Ingredients

2 tsp Atkins Quick QuisineTM Bake Mix
1 (10 oz (283 g)) package frozen chopped spinach
0.5 lb (227 g) lean ground beef
0.5 lb (227 g) hot italian sausage, casing removed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped scallions, with some green portion
1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
1 tsp minced garlic
2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz (170 g))
0.5 cup strained or crushed tomatoes
0.5 tsp italian seasoning
1 large egg
0.25 cup drained and chopped roasted red peppers
0.25 tsp pepper
0.5 drained roasted red pepper, cut into thin strips, divided
2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese (preferably parmigiano-reggiano)
1 tbsp pine nuts, toasted (optional)

How to prepare

1. Lightly butter the sides and bottom of an 8-inch springform pan. Evenly sift the bake mix onto the sides and bottom of the pan; set aside.
2. Cook the spinach according to the package directions. Transfer it to a strainer. Using a spoon, press the spinach firmly against the sides to remove as much liquid as possible. Set it aside.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Heat a 9-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Crumble in the ground beef and sausage. Cook until the meat is browned, about 10 to 12 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Transfer it to a colander to drain off any fat. Heat oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add scallions, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook until the scallions and mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in the browned meat. Add strained tomatoes, 1 cup of mozzarella, and the Italian seasoning, stirring until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared springform pan, spreading it into an even layer with the back of a spoon. Press firmly into the pan.
4. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the spinach, remaining 1 cup of mozzarella, 0.25 cup of roasted red pepper, and pepper; stir until well combined. Spread it over the beef mixture, pressing down firmly. Arrange the remaining roasted red pepper strips in the center; sprinkle Parmesan over the top. Place the springform pan on a large baking sheet with a rim.
5. Bake until the Parmesan is lightly browned and the tart is heated all the way through, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes on the baking sheet. Run a sharp knife around the sides of the tart, release the sides of the springform pan, and transfer the tart to a serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage for a lighter version of the tart.
Add different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or olives for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the spinach well to remove excess liquid and prevent the tart from becoming soggy.

- Press the beef and sausage mixture firmly into the springform pan to create a solid base for the tart.

- Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving to ensure that it holds its shape when sliced.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Picnic Tart with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to the correct temperature to ensure even cooking.

- Use a springform pan to easily remove the tart from the pan for serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of cheese you prefer in place of the shredded cheese.

- Substitute sun-dried tomatoes for the roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The Picnic Tart can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Picnic Tart with fresh herbs or additional roasted red pepper strips for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Picnic Tart with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect picnic meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese), nuts (pine nuts), and gluten (bake mix).

Summary

This Picnic Tart is a balanced dish with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Summary

Picnic Tart is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings. With a delicious combination of ingredients and a simple preparation method, this tart is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through a dusty old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, yellowed with age and filled with handwritten notes, a faded piece of paper fell out. Curious, I picked it up and saw the words "Picnic Tart" scrawled in elegant cursive across the top.

Intrigued, I read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement building within me. The recipe called for a buttery pastry crust filled with a medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese. It sounded like the perfect dish to bring to our family picnic next weekend.

I immediately set to work gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing the tart. As I chopped the vibrant vegetables and mixed them with fragrant herbs and creamy cheese, I felt a sense of connection to my great-grandmother and all the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their culinary knowledge and expertise.

As the tart baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. When it emerged golden brown and bubbling, I knew I had stumbled upon a treasure trove of flavors and memories that would become a cherished part of my own cooking repertoire.

The next day, I brought the picnic tart to our family gathering, where it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I shared the story of how I had discovered it in my great-grandmother's cookbook, and how it had sparked a newfound passion for cooking and preserving family traditions.

From that day on, the picnic tart became a staple at our family gatherings, a dish that evoked memories of lazy summer afternoons and shared meals around the picnic table. Each time I made it, I felt a deep sense of connection to the women who had come before me, their hands guiding mine as I rolled out the pastry and sprinkled the filling with love and care.

Over the years, I have made the picnic tart countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes and those of my loved ones. But no matter how many variations I try, the essence of the dish remains the same – a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we hold dear.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the comforting smells of onions sautéing and herbs mingling in the air, I am reminded once again of that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe for the picnic tart. It may have been a simple dish, but it has brought me immeasurable joy and a sense of connection to my roots that I will always cherish.

So as I take the tart out of the oven, its golden crust glistening in the warm light of the kitchen, I offer a silent thank you to my great-grandmother and all the women who came before her, for passing down this recipe and the legacy of love and tradition that it embodies. And as I slice into the tart and serve it to my family, I know that I am not just sharing a meal, but a piece of my heart and soul – a taste of the past that will live on in the memories of those who come after me.