Categories: Dish Kitch

Mediterranean Puff Pastry Tarts

Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey. These are the countries that make up what is the Mediterranean region of the world and aren’t we happy to have them. Mediterranean cuisine is based on the people who live near the Mediterranean Basin. The Mediterranean Basin is the region of lands around the Mediterranean Sea that have a similar climate of mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Foods common to the region are directly related to the climate. They are known for their rich culture, extensive art and history, and our favorite – great cuisine. Take the Mediterranean tart for example. The pastry dough in this recipe is perfectly paired with common ingredients from the Mediterranean region, such as black olives and feta cheese. Did you know feta cheese has been around since ancient Greek times? Feta was mentioned in the poem The Odyssey around 700 BC. A tart is a baked good, open-faced, and beautifully crafted to look just as great as it tastes. Traditionally, fruit or custard is added for a tart; but some, like the tarts in this recipe, are savory. What is the difference between a tart and a pie? Well for one, a pie has sloped sides, a crust, and a filling. Pies can have multiple crusts. A tart on the other hand is made in a much more shallow pan and only has a bottom crust. Pie is traditionally baked with a firm, crumbly crust while pies are baked with a crisp, flaky crust.

Together, the ingredients bake well on top of the pastry dough. This tart will impress your guests and satisfy their craving for something delicious and savory. These tarts make a great addition to a potluck, holiday party, grand ball, or a family dinner. Enjoy!

AuthorDish MiamiCategorySides

1 lb puff pastry

1 ½ cups sour cream

1 tsp chili flakes

salt and pepper to taste

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried dill

2 red peppers, cut into stripes

½ cup black olives, diced

2 oz feta cheese

12 cherry tomatoes

1 egg, lightly beaten

Roll out the puff pastry into ½ inch thickness.

With the help of a knife, score the edges on the pastry so you can let the dough rise when it bakes in the oven.

In a bowl whisk the sour cream with the chili flakes, dried oregano, dill, and salt and pepper to taste together.

Spread the sour cream mixture into the inside part of the pastry and arrange the cherry tomatoes, pepper strips, olives, and feta cheese on top.

Brush the sides of each tart with whisked egg and bake in an already heated oven at 400F or 190 C degrees for about 15-20 minutes, or until puffed up and golden brown.

Ingredients