Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Savoury Tart with Courgette Flowers: A Mediterranean Feast for the Senses
Discover the light and fragrant Sicilian savoury tart with courgette flowers — a delightful treat perfect for any time of year!
📖 What is it
Discover the light and fragrant Sicilian savoury tart with courgette flowers — a delightful treat perfect for any time of year!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 pack of puff pastry
- ✓ 250g sheep’s ricotta
- ✓ 2 eggs
- ✓ 100g grated Sicilian pecorino PDO
- ✓ 18 courgette flowers
- ✓ 5 fresh basil leaves
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ salt, to taste
- ✓ 2 tablespoons milk (for glazing)
- ✓ 1 egg (for glazing)
📊 Nutritional Information
Picture yourself wrapped in the warm summer scents of Sicily with a savoury tart that marries the delicate charm of courgette flowers with a creamy filling of ricotta and pecorino. Its golden, crisp pastry encases authentic flavours, ideal for a relaxed lunch outdoors or a casual supper, best enjoyed at room temperature to savour every nuance.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Begin by mixing the ricotta, pecorino and eggs until you have a smooth, even mixture.
- 2
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir again to combine thoroughly.
- 3
Clean the courgette flowers by removing the inner stamens, keeping the petals intact.
- 4
Line a 26cm tin with baking parchment and lay in the puff pastry, pricking the base lightly with a fork.
- 5
Arrange half of the courgette flowers on the base, then scatter over the torn basil leaves.
- 6
Pour in the ricotta and egg mixture, smoothing the surface evenly.
- 7
Top with the remaining chopped courgette flowers and sprinkle with pecorino.
- 8
Fold the pastry edges over and brush them with the beaten egg mixed with milk.
- 9
Bake in a preheated fan oven at 200°C for about 25 minutes, until beautifully golden.
- 10
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a richer twist, add sautéed diced courgettes and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a lovely crunch and a nod to Sicilian flavours.
- •
Use a shallow tin to ensure even cooking and a crispier crust.
- •
The star here is the delicate courgette flower, but you can swap them for young courgettes if you prefer a heartier, rustic version.
- •
To boost the savoury depth, try folding in a pinch of nutritional yeast flakes into the filling — it adds umami without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- •
For a vegan alternative, replace the ricotta with soft tofu and the pecorino with nutritional yeast, keeping the creamy texture and flavour without any animal products.
- •
Remember, the magic of this tart lies in simple, fresh ingredients and gentle, attentive baking.
📦 Storage
- • Store the tart covered with cling film in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to two days.
- • Reheat in the oven at 180°C for a few minutes before serving to restore the pastry’s crispness.
- • It’s also delicious cold the next day, when the flavours have had time to meld beautifully.
- • Avoid freezing, as this can affect the creamy filling’s texture.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this savoury tart with a young red wine like Contea di Sclafani novello, whose fruity aroma and smooth palate complement the flavours without overwhelming them. Serve chilled, around 16-18°C, in a wide glass to fully appreciate its notes. Alternatively, a crisp Sicilian Grillo or a Ligurian Vermentino offers a lighter, aromatic match.
You’ve just crafted a savoury tart that captures the very soul of Sicily — simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavour. Making this dish brings a slice of tradition to your table, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Do give it a go at home, and don’t forget to spread the joy by sharing your experience and this authentic taste of the island with friends and family.
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