| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 16g | 10g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 2g | 12g | 0.20g |
The dish I want to share with you today, “Chervil and Goat Cheese Tart”, is a re-imagination of some deeply rooted traditions. Growing up across the rolling planes of Montana and living in a culinary culture that marries delights from the ranch with Native American traditions, I’m constantly inspired by the harmonies this unique food culture creates.
An Ode to the Plains and Beyond
But why the Chervil and Goat Cheese Tart? Quite simply, it connects my heritage to the present. It mirrors my passion for experimenting with novel flavors without disregarding the echoes of my past. Similarly, this tart allows us to explore unusual, exciting tastes, but brings us back to the earth with its hearty array of ingredients.
The crust, a buttery foundation, adds a rustic touch, mirroring the wheat fields of Montana from where my inspiration sprouts. Meanwhile, the goat cheese echoing strong European traditions adds a creamy, tangy dimension, a sensory reflection of bridging gastronomic cultures.
Healthy Gourmet: Berries and Beyond
What excites me additionally about this tart is the multitude of health benefits packed within it. The use of mixed berries, not only add a refreshing sweetness that cuts through the rich goat cheese, the berries themselves are filled with antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin C, providing a nice immune boost with every bite. Similarly, the chervil leaves, not just lend their unique flavor, but also impart a good dose of Vitamins A, C, Calcium, and Iron.
By incorporating honey instead of refined sugar, this tart takes on a friendlier guise for those aiming to eat lighter and healthier. Also, it’s worthy to note the goat cheese comes with a lower calorie count in comparison to many other cheeses, making this tart a much healthier indulgence.
Pairing Up The Tart
While this tart stands as a splendid dish on its own, it likely pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad, such as an Arugula and Watermelon salad, or even a savory soup like a traditional French Onion Soup. A glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Vinho Verde, could round off this delightful culinary excursion.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3 to 4 tablespoons of ice water
- 1 cup of fresh chervil leaves
- 6 ounces of goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 cups of mixed berries (like strawberries, raspberries or blueberries) for garnish
- 2 tablespoons of honey for drizzle
Method
Step One
Firstly, prepare the tart crust. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt. Then, add the chilled and cubed butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. You may not need all the water, so stop adding once the dough is cohesive.
Step Two
Next, shape the dough into a disk, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow it to rest. In the meantime, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9-inch tart pan by lightly buttering it.
Step Three
After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to fit your tart pan. Place the dough in the pan and trim any excess. Use a fork to prick holes all over the bottom. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.
Step Four
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the fresh chervil leaves, crumbled goat cheese, eggs, heavy cream, milk, and ground black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well blended.
Step Five
Remove the crust from the oven and carefully pour the filling into the hot crust. Return the tart to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
Step Six
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. While the tart is cooling, wash and dry the mixed berries.
Step Seven
Finally, serve the tart garnished with the fresh mixed berries and drizzled with honey. This Chervil and Goat Cheese Tart can be enjoyed either warm or cold and makes the perfect appetizer or light meal!
