Broccoli Walnut Tart Recipe

My family and I are always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and relatively easy to prepare, especially for those busy weeknights or casual weekend lunches. When I stumbled upon this Broccoli Walnut Tart recipe, I was immediately intrigued. The combination of broccoli and walnuts sounded wonderfully earthy and comforting, and the promise of a creamy, cheesy filling encased in a flaky puff pastry crust was simply irresistible. Let me tell you, this recipe did not disappoint! From the moment it came out of the oven, golden brown and fragrant, we were hooked. The kids, surprisingly, devoured the broccoli, and my husband raved about the crunchy walnuts and the richness of the ricotta and cream cheese. It’s become a new family favorite, perfect for a light meal, a potluck contribution, or even a sophisticated appetizer. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, and the ingredients are readily available. If you’re searching for a savory tart that’s both satisfying and impressive, look no further. This Broccoli Walnut Tart is a winner, and I’m excited to share all the details with you, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to serving suggestions and helpful tips to make it your own. Get ready to bake up a storm and enjoy a truly delightful culinary experience!

Ingredients

This Broccoli Walnut Tart recipe boasts a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, all thanks to a carefully selected list of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Let’s delve into each component and understand why they play such a crucial role in creating this delectable tart.

• 1 1/2 sheets frozen puff pastry, partially thawed: The foundation of our tart is a crisp and flaky puff pastry. Frozen puff pastry is a fantastic shortcut for home cooks, delivering exceptional results without the time-consuming process of making it from scratch. Using 1 ½ sheets provides the perfect amount to create a substantial tart base. Partially thawing is key; it allows the pastry to be pliable enough to handle and join together without becoming sticky or losing its delicate layers. Puff pastry is made by layering butter and dough, creating hundreds of thin layers that puff up dramatically when baked, resulting in that signature light and airy texture. For best results, choose an all-butter puff pastry for a richer flavor and superior flakiness. If you are looking for gluten-free options, some brands now offer gluten-free puff pastry, though the texture might be slightly different from traditional wheat-based pastry.
• 300g broccoli, cut into florets, thinly sliced: Broccoli is the star vegetable of this tart, bringing a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that complements the creamy filling and nutty walnuts beautifully. Using 300g ensures a generous amount of broccoli, providing both flavor and visual appeal to the tart. Cutting the broccoli into florets and then thinly slicing them is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it ensures even cooking; thin slices cook through quickly and become tender-crisp in the oven without remaining raw or becoming mushy. Secondly, thin slices allow the broccoli to distribute evenly across the tart and integrate seamlessly with the filling. Choose fresh, vibrant green broccoli heads for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer, you could also use broccolini, which has a milder flavor and more tender stems.
• 250g tub smooth ricotta: Ricotta cheese forms the creamy heart of our tart filling. Smooth ricotta, as opposed to part-skim or whole milk, provides a luxuriously creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It acts as a blank canvas, allowing the flavors of the parmesan, parsley, and broccoli to shine through. Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese, known for its soft, moist, and slightly grainy texture. Using a full-fat ricotta will result in a richer and creamier filling. If you are watching your fat intake, you can use part-skim ricotta, but be aware that it might be slightly less creamy. Ensure you use smooth ricotta, as some ricotta varieties can be quite grainy, which might affect the overall texture of the tart filling.
• 125g spreadable cream cheese: Spreadable cream cheese adds another layer of creaminess and tanginess to the filling, complementing the ricotta and providing a richer, more complex flavor profile. It also helps to bind the filling together, ensuring it doesn’t become too watery or separate during baking. Choose a full-fat spreadable cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. If you are looking for a lighter option, you could use light cream cheese, but again, the texture and richness might be slightly compromised. The slight tanginess of cream cheese balances the sweetness of the ricotta and honey, creating a well-rounded flavor.
• 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan: Parmesan cheese is essential for adding a salty, savory, and umami-rich depth of flavor to the filling. Finely grated parmesan melts beautifully into the ricotta and cream cheese, creating a cheesy, flavorful base. Parmesan is a hard, granular cheese from Italy, known for its strong, nutty, and salty flavor. Using freshly grated parmesan is highly recommended for the best flavor; pre-grated parmesan often contains cellulose and anti-caking agents, which can affect its melting properties and flavor. The saltiness of the parmesan also helps to season the filling and balance the other flavors.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves: Fresh flat-leaf parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous note and a pop of fresh green color to the tart. Its slightly peppery and clean flavor brightens up the creamy filling and complements the earthiness of the broccoli and walnuts. Flat-leaf parsley, also known as Italian parsley, has a more robust flavor than curly parsley and holds up better in cooking. Finely chopping the parsley ensures it distributes evenly throughout the filling and releases its flavor. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you could substitute with fresh chives or basil for a slightly different flavor profile, but parsley is the classic and most complementary choice.
• Olive oil cooking spray: Olive oil cooking spray is used to lightly coat the tart before baking, promoting browning and adding a subtle richness. It helps the pastry to become golden and crispy and prevents the broccoli from drying out in the oven. Olive oil spray is a convenient and healthy way to add a touch of oil without adding excessive amounts of fat. You can substitute with regular olive oil, brushed lightly over the tart, if you prefer. The olive oil also adds a subtle savory note that enhances the overall flavor of the tart.
• 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted, roughly chopped: Walnuts provide a crucial textural element to the tart, adding a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the broccoli and cheese. Toasting the walnuts is essential; it intensifies their flavor and enhances their crispness. Roughly chopping them ensures you get a good bite of walnut in each serving. Walnuts are also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and plant-based protein. You can toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly browned. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes. Other nuts like pecans or hazelnuts could be substituted, but walnuts are the classic and most complementary choice for this recipe.
• 2 tbsp honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the tart and creates a delightful glaze when drizzled over the finished dish. It also adds a beautiful shine and visual appeal. The subtle sweetness of honey complements the saltiness of the parmesan and the earthiness of the broccoli and walnuts, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Choose a good quality honey for the best flavor. You can use any type of honey you prefer, such as wildflower honey, clover honey, or buckwheat honey, each will impart slightly different nuances of flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute maple syrup for a vegan option or a slightly different flavor profile.

Instructions

Creating this Broccoli Walnut Tart is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake your own savory masterpiece:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). This high temperature is crucial for achieving a beautifully puffed and golden pastry crust. While the oven is heating, line a large baking tray with baking paper. This prevents the tart from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Using baking paper, rather than greasing the tray directly, also ensures the base of the tart cooks evenly without becoming overly browned. A large baking tray is recommended to provide ample space for the tart and ensure even heat circulation.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Base

Take your partially thawed puff pastry sheets and gently join them together on the prepared baking tray to form a rectangle approximately 24cm x 36cm. Slightly overlapping the edges and pressing them together firmly with your fingers or a rolling pin will create a seamless base. Trim any excess pastry if needed to achieve the desired rectangular shape. Next, using a small, sharp knife, score a 1cm border around the edge of the pastry rectangle. Be careful to score only the top layer of pastry, not cutting all the way through. This scoring will create a raised, decorative border as the tart bakes. Then, using a fork, prick the center area of the pastry all over. This is an important step to prevent the center of the pastry from puffing up excessively during baking, ensuring a flat base for the filling.

Step 3: Blind Bake the Pastry

Place the prepared pastry on the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Keep a close eye on the pastry as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the pastry. The pastry is ready when it’s puffed up around the scored border and lightly golden in the center. Remove the pastry from the oven and, using a clean tea towel, gently press down the middle of the pastry to flatten it. This creates a well for the filling and ensures the tart base is even and sturdy. The tea towel protects your hands from the heat and prevents you from damaging the delicate pastry.

Step 4: Blanch the Broccoli

While the pastry is baking, prepare the broccoli. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for just 30 seconds, or until they are just tender-crisp and have turned a vibrant green color. This quick blanching process partially cooks the broccoli, ensuring it will be perfectly tender in the tart and retains its bright green color. Immediately rinse the blanched broccoli under cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve its crispness and color. Drain the broccoli thoroughly in a colander to remove excess water, as excess moisture can make the tart soggy.

Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a large bowl, combine the smooth ricotta, spreadable cream cheese, finely grated parmesan, and finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning as needed. The ricotta mixture forms the creamy and flavorful base of the tart. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated for a consistent texture and flavor.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Tart

Spread the prepared ricotta mixture evenly over the flattened center of the partially baked pastry base, staying within the scored border. Arrange the thinly sliced blanched broccoli florets evenly over the ricotta filling, creating a visually appealing pattern. Spray the top of the tart lightly with olive oil cooking spray. This promotes browning and adds a subtle richness. Return the tart to the oven and bake for a further 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pastry border is golden brown and cooked through, and the filling is heated through and slightly set. The tart is ready when the pastry is deeply golden and crisp, and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the toasted, roughly chopped walnuts evenly over the top. Drizzle the honey evenly over the tart, allowing it to seep into the crevices and create a beautiful glaze. Let the tart cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set further and makes slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

This Broccoli Walnut Tart is not only delicious but also offers a good balance of nutrients. While indulging in its creamy and cheesy goodness, you can also appreciate the wholesome ingredients that contribute to its nutritional profile.

• Servings: 4
  This recipe is designed to serve approximately 4 people, making it ideal for a family meal or a small gathering. Serving sizes can be adjusted depending on individual appetites and whether it’s served as a main course or a side dish.
• Calories per serving (estimated): Approximately 450-550 calories per serving.
  This is an estimated calorie count per serving and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. The calorie count is derived from the combination of puff pastry, cheese, broccoli, walnuts, and honey. Puff pastry and cheese contribute the most to the calorie content due to their fat content. Broccoli and walnuts, while adding calories, also provide valuable nutrients and fiber. For a more precise calorie count, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the exact ingredients and quantities you use. Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown per serving (estimated):
  • Protein: 15-20g
    The protein content comes primarily from the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, parmesan, and walnuts. Protein is essential for satiety, muscle building, and various bodily functions.
  • Fat: 30-40g
    The fat content is mainly from the puff pastry, cream cheese, ricotta, parmesan, and walnuts. While some of this is saturated fat, walnuts also provide healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Carbohydrates: 30-40g
    The carbohydrates come from the puff pastry, broccoli, and honey. Broccoli and walnuts contribute fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and blood sugar control.
  • Fiber: 4-6g
    Fiber is primarily provided by the broccoli and walnuts. Fiber is important for digestive health, satiety, and regulating blood sugar levels.
  Important Note: These are estimated values. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. This tart, while being a treat, can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. The broccoli provides vitamins and minerals, walnuts offer healthy fats and antioxidants, and the dairy contributes calcium and protein.

Preparation Time

One of the great things about this Broccoli Walnut Tart is that it’s relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and weekend gatherings.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
  The preparation time includes thawing the puff pastry, chopping the broccoli and parsley, grating the parmesan, toasting and chopping the walnuts, and preparing the ricotta filling. Efficient knife skills and organized mise en place can help to keep the prep time to a minimum. Using pre-grated parmesan and pre-chopped walnuts can also save a few minutes.
• Cook time: 30 minutes
  The cooking time includes the initial blind baking of the pastry for 12-15 minutes and the final bake with the filling and broccoli for 10-12 minutes. Oven temperatures and baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the tart during baking to ensure the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
• Total time: Approximately 50 minutes
  From start to finish, you can have this delicious Broccoli Walnut Tart on the table in under an hour. This includes both the active preparation time and the baking time. The relatively short total time makes this recipe a convenient option for a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

This versatile Broccoli Walnut Tart can be served in various ways, making it suitable for different occasions and meals. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Warm as a main course:
  Serve the tart warm, straight from the oven, as a delightful vegetarian main course. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette. Arugula, spinach, or romaine lettuce would all work well. Adding a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini can create a more substantial and balanced meal.
• At room temperature for lunch or picnics:
  The tart is equally delicious served at room temperature, making it perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or potlucks. Cut the tart into squares or wedges for easy serving and transport. Pack it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad for a light and refreshing lunch.
• As an appetizer or starter:
  Cut the tart into smaller squares or triangles and serve as an elegant appetizer or starter for dinner parties or gatherings. Arrange the small tart pieces on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley sprigs or extra toasted walnuts for visual appeal. Serve alongside other appetizers like olives, cheese, and crackers for a varied and flavorful spread.
• With a dipping sauce:
  For a fun and flavorful twist, serve the tart with a dipping sauce on the side. Consider a creamy garlic aioli, a pesto mayonnaise, or a balsamic glaze. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream also works well. The dipping sauce adds extra moisture and flavor and complements the savory tart perfectly.
• Paired with soup:
  Serve a slice of Broccoli Walnut Tart alongside a warm bowl of soup for a comforting and satisfying meal. Tomato soup, creamy vegetable soup, or lentil soup would all be excellent pairings. The tart provides a savory and textural contrast to the smoothness of the soup.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Walnut Tart

To ensure your Broccoli Walnut Tart is a resounding success, here are five additional tips and tricks to keep in mind:

1. Don’t overcook the broccoli: Blanching the broccoli for just 30 seconds is crucial to maintain its texture and vibrant green color. Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and lose its appealing appearance. Ensure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the broccoli and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Toast the walnuts properly: Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and texture significantly. Don’t skip this step! Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Alternatively, toast them in the oven for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on them.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper in the ricotta filling. Taste the filling before spreading it on the pastry and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that parmesan cheese is already salty, so season accordingly.
4. Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the tart partially or fully in advance. The pastry base can be blind-baked and stored at room temperature for up to a day. The ricotta filling can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the tart just before serving. Alternatively, you can bake the entire tart ahead of time and reheat it gently in a low oven or serve it at room temperature.
5. Experiment with cheese variations: While ricotta and cream cheese provide a classic creamy base, you can experiment with other cheeses to customize the flavor profile. Try adding a bit of crumbled goat cheese for tanginess, Gruyère for a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, or even a touch of blue cheese for a bolder taste. Ensure the cheeses you choose melt well and complement the other ingredients.

FAQ Section: Ingredients

Have questions about the ingredients in this Broccoli Walnut Tart? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q1: Can I use fresh puff pastry instead of frozen?

A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh puff pastry if you prefer or if it’s more readily available to you. Fresh puff pastry will often have a richer butter flavor and may puff up even more dramatically than frozen. Follow the recipe instructions for handling and baking, adjusting baking time slightly if needed as fresh pastry might cook a bit faster.

Q2: I don’t have walnuts, can I substitute another nut?

A: Absolutely! If you don’t have walnuts, you can substitute with other nuts like pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, or even pine nuts. Each nut will impart a slightly different flavor profile. Pecans are a good substitute for a similar nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Hazelnuts offer a more intense and earthy flavor. Almonds provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor and a firmer texture. Remember to toast any nuts you use to enhance their flavor and texture.

Q3: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli completely and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water before blanching and adding it to the tart. Frozen broccoli might be slightly softer in texture compared to fresh, but it will still work in the recipe.

Q4: I’m lactose intolerant, are there dairy-free alternatives?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Look for dairy-free puff pastry options, which are becoming increasingly available. For the ricotta and cream cheese, use dairy-free ricotta and cream cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. There are some excellent plant-based ricotta and cream cheese options on the market that can provide a similar creamy texture. Ensure to check the ingredient list of your chosen dairy-free products for any allergens and flavor profiles to ensure they suit your preferences.

Q5: Can I omit the parmesan cheese for a milder flavor?

A: While parmesan cheese adds a significant savory and umami depth to the filling, you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor or are watching your sodium intake. The tart will still be delicious without parmesan, but it might lack some of the salty and savory complexity. If you omit parmesan, consider adding a pinch of nutritional yeast to the ricotta filling for a subtle cheesy and savory note. You could also increase the seasoning with salt and pepper slightly to compensate for the missing saltiness from the parmesan.

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