Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups of shredded Circassian cheese
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch tart pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the pre-made pie crust into the tart pan and press it firmly against the sides and bottom.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the shredded Circassian cheese to the mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the cheese mixture into the pie crust.
6. Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese mixture.
7. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the tomatoes.
8. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
9. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 290
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 11g
Sodium: 310mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Circassian cheese, you can use feta cheese or goat cheese.
- Instead of fresh basil, you can use dried basil or oregano.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the tart for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a different taste.
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the tart for a meaty version.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the pie crust firmly against the sides and bottom of the tart pan to prevent any air pockets.
- Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
- Serve the tart warm or at room temperature.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the tart in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tart on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.
Garnishes:
Garnish the tart with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Pairings:
Pair the tart with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- If the cheese is not melting, increase the oven temperature by 25°F and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the tart until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Store any leftover tart in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Circassian cheese is a type of cheese that originated in the Caucasus region of Russia. It is a soft, tangy cheese that is often used in traditional Circassian cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
The tart has a creamy, tangy flavor from the Circassian cheese and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor from the tomatoes.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tart as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad or vegetables.
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Region: Turkish