Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This flaky filo pastry tart is packed with flavor and is ready in under an hour. It's perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together, impressing your guests with minimal effort. This recipe showcases the versatility of filo pastry, moving beyond the sweet and diving into the savory realm. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14.1 oz) filo pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms (cremini or button work well)
- 1 cup chopped spinach, fresh or frozen (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
Preparing the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan or baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assembling the Tart:
- Gently unfold the filo pastry sheets. Keep the unused sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- Brush each sheet lightly with olive oil. Layer 3-4 sheets in the prepared tart pan, letting the edges overhang.
- Pour the cooled vegetable mixture into the filo pastry shell.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the filling.
- Top with the remaining filo pastry sheets, brushing each layer with olive oil. Tuck the overhanging edges neatly under.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
Baking and Serving:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the tart cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and makes for easier slicing.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the filling isn't too high, or the center might not cook properly.
- Work quickly with the filo: Filo pastry dries out easily, so keep the unused sheets covered.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any seasoning to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Experiment with fillings: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the feta with a vegan feta alternative. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Meaty Tart: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or ground meat to the filling for a heartier meal.
- Herby Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 15-18g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy filo pastry tart is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and the versatility of the recipe means you can easily customize it to your preferences. Enjoy!