Sunflower Spinach Puff Pastry Tart Recipe

Nothing says “treat yourself” like whipping up a flaky spinach and cheese tart that looks like it came straight from a café but is secretly a breeze to create with just a few tasty ingredients. 🌿👩‍🍳 Who’s ready to impress themselves and everyone else?

Creating recipes that blend vibrant flavors and textures is a passion of mine, and my Sunflower Spinach Puff Pastry Tart is a glorious example. The ingredient list is short, but there’s plenty of goodness packed into this dish.

Nutritious spinach delivers a nice dose of drab greens. Silky ricotta and zesty feta are the real stars.

Their pairing defies protein beauty and delivers a creamy, soft interior punctuated by the flavor of sunflower seeds.

Sunflower Spinach Puff Pastry Tart Recipe Ingredients

• Puff Pastry: A flaky, buttery base, providing carbohydrates.
• Spinach: Rich in iron and vitamins, packed with nutrients.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy texture, good source of protein.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy flavor, adds calcium and protein.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, boosts immune system.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, enhances flavors.
• Sunflower Seeds: Crunchy garnish, source of healthy fats.

Sunflower Spinach Puff Pastry Tart Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• Sunflower seeds for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Sunflower Spinach Puff Pastry Tart Recipe

1. Prepare your oven by heating it to 400°F (200°C). Take a baking sheet and prepare it by lining it with parchment paper.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into what will approximate a rectangle; this will make you transfer it to the prepared baking sheet easier.

3. In a large frying pan, warm the olive oil over a medium flame, add the chopped garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until it gives off a scent that is divine.

4. Place fresh spinach in the skillet and allow to cook until it is wilted, then remove from skillet.

5. Combine the ricotta cheese and crumbled feta cheese in a mixing bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Cover the puff pastry with the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly but leaving a border around the edges.

7. Distribute the cooked spinach evenly over the layer of cheese.

8. Create a border by folding over the puff pastry edges, to enclose the filling.

9. Combine the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush it over the edges of the pastry.

10. If you like, you can top it off with some sunflower seeds before it goes into the oven. Bake for around 20-25 minutes or until it turns golden brown and is definitely cooked throughout. Let it cool a bit before you serve.

Sunflower Spinach Puff Pastry Tart Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Rolling pin
5. Large frying pan or skillet
6. Stove
7. Mixing bowl
8. Whisk or fork (for mixing egg wash)
9. Pastry brush
10. Knife (for chopping garlic and/or dividing pastry if needed)
11. Cutting board
12. Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?Indeed, frozen spinach can be utilized. It is imperative to ensure that it is completely thawed and well drained, with no excess moisture remaining, prior to employing it in your dish.
• Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese instead of ricotta cheese; both give a similar creamy texture.
• How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?Make sure the spinach mix isn’t too wet; spread it on the pastry only after the spinach and other ingredients are completely dry.
• How long should I bake the tart?The tart should be baked at a temperature of 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You will know it is done when the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
• Can I make this tart ahead of time?The tart can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator before it is baked. For maximum poof and texture, bake it just before you plan to serve.
• What can I use instead of sunflower seeds for garnish?Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or no seeds at all (for a plainer topping) are all viable options.

Sunflower Spinach Puff Pastry Tart Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Dough for puff pastry: Substitute with phyllo dough for a lighter, flakier texture.
Ricotta cheese: For a similar creamy texture, substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
Feta cheese: Swap in goat cheese or grated parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Kale or Swiss chard may be used in place of spinach to retain nutrition in your diet.
Sunflower seeds: Use pine nuts or chopped walnuts to replace them; they offer a similar crunch and richness that makes them ideal garnishes.

This one-to-one substitution works well because walnuts and pine nuts are quite rich. They’d also offer a good substitute if you were making a pesto or any other sort of spread.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure your puff pastry is well thawed before rolling it out. This will prevent cracks and make it easier to work with. Also, try to keep it cool to maintain its structure and flakiness.

2. For a richer filling, lightly squeeze excess moisture from the cooked spinach using a clean kitchen towel. This step helps prevent your pastry from becoming soggy.

3. If you want additional flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture. Nutmeg complements both spinach and cheese beautifully.

4. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to score light diagonal lines without cutting all the way through the top of the puff pastry. This enhances the presentation and helps with even puffing during baking.

5. Preheat your baking sheet along with the oven for a crispier base. By placing your assembled pastry on a hot baking sheet, you jumpstart the bottom’s cooking, which prevents a soggy crust.