The Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart combines a creamy filling with tender ham and fresh scallions, all nestled in a golden, flaky crust. It’s a savory dish that is as comforting as it is delicious.
This tart is perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. The combination of the rich ricotta and mozzarella cheese with the savory ham and aromatic scallions creates a well-balanced and satisfying flavor profile. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dish is sure to impress guests or simply satisfy a quiet night in.
Full Recipe:
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1 pre-made pie crust
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup ham, diced
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3 scallions, thinly sliced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the pie crust and press it into a tart pan. Poke a few holes in the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta, mozzarella, eggs, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Stir in the diced ham and scallions, mixing well.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared tart crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tart is golden and the filling is set.
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Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart: A Savory Delight for Every Occasion
The Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart is a perfect example of simple ingredients coming together to create a rich, satisfying dish. This savory tart offers a harmonious blend of creamy ricotta cheese, salty ham, and the fresh, mild flavor of scallions—all wrapped in a crisp, golden pastry crust. It’s a versatile recipe that works wonderfully for a variety of occasions, from family meals to gatherings with friends. In this article, we’ll explore the origins, flavor profile, variations, and serving suggestions for this delicious tart, highlighting why it has become a beloved dish in many kitchens around the world.
A Brief Overview of Savory Tarts
Tarts have a long history in European cuisine, dating back to the medieval period. These open-faced pastries have evolved over the centuries, with many variations that reflect regional tastes and ingredients. While sweet tarts, such as fruit tarts, often take the spotlight in desserts, savory tarts like the Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart have grown in popularity due to their ability to combine bold flavors with a comforting texture.
A savory tart is essentially a pastry shell filled with a mixture of eggs, cheese, and other flavorful ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. The Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart is a wonderful example of how a simple combination of ingredients can transform into a filling and delicious dish.
The Perfect Flavor Combination
The key to the irresistible flavor of the Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart lies in the balance of ingredients. The creamy ricotta cheese provides a smooth, mild base that complements the richness of the ham. Ricotta has a light, airy texture that makes it an ideal ingredient for savory dishes. It offers a delicate flavor that isn’t too overpowering, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
The addition of ham adds a savory, salty note to the tart, making it hearty and satisfying. Ham is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of cheeses, and in this tart, it provides just the right amount of saltiness and umami. The smoky or slightly sweet flavor of the ham brings out the best in the other components of the tart.
Scallions, or green onions, offer a subtle onion flavor that isn’t as sharp as traditional onions. Their mild, fresh taste provides a hint of crispness and brightness, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheese and the savory depth of the ham. Scallions also add a burst of color, making the tart visually appealing.
The Appeal of the Pastry
The pastry crust of a savory tart plays a crucial role in its overall appeal. It provides a crunchy, buttery base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. The richness of the pastry enhances the flavors of the filling, while the crispiness offers a satisfying texture that elevates the dish. Whether you use a pre-made crust for convenience or make your own from scratch, the pastry is an essential component of this tart.
For a truly decadent experience, you can opt for a flaky, buttery crust, which contrasts with the smoothness of the ricotta filling. The texture of the crust helps balance out the creamy and soft texture of the inside, creating a pleasant bite in every mouthful.
Versatility in the Kitchen
One of the best things about the Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart is its versatility. It can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. While this recipe uses ham, you can easily swap it out for other proteins such as cooked chicken, bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. The cheese can also be adjusted to include different varieties, such as goat cheese, cheddar, or Gruyère, depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
The tart can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or as part of a buffet spread. It’s also a great make-ahead dish; simply bake the tart, let it cool, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for parties, picnics, and potlucks where you need a dish that can be prepared in advance.
Serving Suggestions
The Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. For a light lunch or dinner, pair it with a fresh green salad. The crisp, tangy flavors of the salad will complement the creamy, rich filling of the tart. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic mixed greens salad with a balsamic glaze would be the perfect accompaniment.
For more hearty fare, you can serve the tart with roasted vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes. The earthy flavors of roasted carrots, parsnips, or potatoes will balance out the richness of the tart, making for a filling and satisfying meal. If you’re hosting a brunch, this tart makes an excellent centerpiece, served alongside fresh fruit, a variety of cheeses, and some crusty bread.
The tart also pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, a crisp iced tea or sparkling water with a splash of lemon would be a refreshing choice.
A Dish for All Occasions
Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, the Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart is a crowd-pleaser that fits many occasions. It’s sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party, yet easy enough to whip up for a casual meal with family. The tart is also great for brunches, as it’s both filling and light enough to enjoy during the midday hours.
Its flexibility makes it perfect for different seasons. In the summer, it can be served as part of a picnic or outdoor gathering, while in the colder months, it serves as a comforting and warming meal. This dish also has a timeless quality, making it suitable for both casual meals and more festive settings.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Tart
The Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart is a dish that brings together simple ingredients in a way that is both delicious and satisfying. Its creamy ricotta filling, savory ham, and fresh scallions offer a delightful combination of flavors that work beautifully in a buttery, flaky pastry shell. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests at a brunch or dinner party, this tart has got you covered.
What makes this tart so appealing is its versatility—it can be customized to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, and the ingredients you have on hand. From adding different proteins to experimenting with cheese varieties, there’s no shortage of ways to make this tart your own. It’s a dish that fits seamlessly into any occasion, from casual family meals to elegant gatherings.
In conclusion, the Ricotta Ham and Scallion Tart is a must-try recipe that combines simplicity and sophistication. With its perfect balance of flavors and versatility, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your recipe repertoire. So, next time you’re in the mood for something savory, comforting, and delicious, reach for this tart—you won’t be disappointed.