Author Notes
In some parts of Provence, this savory tart is part of the Christmas buffet. It’s do-ahead-able and just a little different without being weird. I really like to serve this for brunch in the springtime, though - It makes a lovely vegetarian entree. —ChefJune
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Ingredients
- Pastry
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1 cup
unbleached flour
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1/4 teaspoon
fine sea salt
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1/4 cup
cold water
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1/4 cup
extra virgin olive oil
- Filling
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1 pound
Swiss chard, leaves only
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sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
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1/2 cup
pine nuts, toasted
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3
large eggs
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1 cup
freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
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1/2 cup
golden raisins
Directions
-
Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
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Prepare the pastry: Combine flour and salt in a medium sized bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup water, then the oil, mixing until thoroughly blended. Knead briefly. The dough will be VERY moist, much like a cookie dough. Press the dough into a 10-1/2-inch loose-bottomed metal tart pan.
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Prepare filling: Wash and DRY the green leafy portion of the chard, saving the center white (or red) stems for the stockpot, or braising à la Française. Break up the leaves and coarsely chop them in several batches, in a food processor. [If they are not completely dry, they will turn into mush instead of chopping.]
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Place the chard in a large shallow sauté pan over low heat, and season with salt and pepper. Wilt the chard and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.
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Toast the pine nuts by heating (to medium) a shallow pan large enough to hold all the nuts in a single layer. Add the nuts and toss until lightly browned on all sides. Do not leave unattended, even for a short time, or the result is likely to be burned pine nuts! Remove from the heat and set aside.
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Beat the eggs slightly in a medium bowl. Add cheese and mix until thoroughly blended. Stir in the chard, raisins and toasted pine nuts, and mix well. Pour the whole thing into the prepared pastry shell.
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Bake until the crust is golden and the chard mixture is firm and browned (about 40 minutes). Serve at room temperature for maximum flavor.
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Note: If Swiss chard is not available, spinach may be substituted. Be sure to remove the stems of the spinach completely, also.
30+ years a chef, educator, writer, consultant, "winie," travel guide/coordinator
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