Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These mushroom tarts are the perfect answer. They're elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. This recipe is your ticket to homemade cooking that tastes like a million bucks without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this quick dinner idea.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight meal or a planned weekend gathering.
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For the Tart Shells:
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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For the Mushroom Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced (or substitute with more cremini)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Masterpiece
Follow these simple steps to create these stunning and flavorful mushroom tarts.
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shells:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or use paper liners. Unroll the pie crusts and use a 3-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles. Gently press each circle into the muffin tin cups. Prick the bottom of each shell with a fork to prevent puffing. Brush the shells lightly with olive oil. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms:
While the tart shells are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their liquid, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using, add the white wine and cook for 2-3 minutes more, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Tarts:
Remove the tart shells from the oven. Spoon the mushroom mixture evenly into each shell. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the tarts cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm and enjoy these delicious, healthy meals!
Tips and Variations: Elevate Your Tart Game
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of different mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.
- Add some cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Swiss.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture for a touch of heat.
- Make it vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by using a vegan pie crust and omitting the Parmesan cheese (or substituting with nutritional yeast).
- Meal prep friendly: These tarts are great for meal prepping. Make a big batch and store them in the refrigerator for a quick and easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (Per Tart - Approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Fat: Approximately 12g
- Protein: Approximately 5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15g
This easy recipe for mushroom tarts is a delightful addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas. The best recipes are often the simplest, and these tarts prove that point perfectly. Enjoy!