| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 18g | 5g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 4g | 9g | 0.6g |
Why I Love Italian Gluten-Free Vegan Spinach and Cheese Tart
With the divine taste and family-friendly preparation steps, my Gluten-Free Vegan Spinach and Cheese Tart always manages to take the center stage during family gatherings. It has a rich and hearty flavor that binds everyone at the table, cherishing each bite and kindling nostalgic conversations. The deceptively creamy vegan cheese with refreshing spinach layered on a gluten-free crust instantly wooed my inner gourmet, compelling me to add this delicious variant into my recipe collection. Particularly, this recipe brings me back to the cozy, loving kitchen of my beloved Italian grandparents, who always opened my heart to the remarkable flavors of our vibrant, Italian-American heritage
The Trail of Inspiration
While I took inspiration from a multitude of chefs throughout my career, creating this delightful Gluten-Free Vegan Spinach and Cheese Tart, that string of inspiration is a tribute to the outstanding Italian cook, Lidia Bastianich. Her traditions of cooking, especially her dedication to maintaining the essence of a dish by using superior-quality, fresh ingredients, significantly reflect in my vegan tart recipe. Find out about Bastianich and her culinary philosophies here.
More Than Just a Tart
Admittedly, the dish does remind me of my grandmother’s classic spinach and cheese Quiche. However, I wanted to create a recipe that aligns with those who love that authentic, Italian-American flavor but also having specific dietary requirements. That’s where this Gluten-Free Vegan Spinach and Cheese Tart steps in. It is quick, it is delicious, and it is something you can perfectly serve along with fresh green salad or a hearty Pasta e Fagioli. Don’t just limit it to a main course; you can also serve it as a brunch or take it on a picnic. Get creative with the recipe, add your favorites, make your version of the tart and let your family tradition continue.
So, whether you are a food lover or a gourmet enthusiast, or if you want to bring something different yet homely to your table, I would gladly suggest my Gluten-Free Vegan Spinach and Cheese Tart! Its simplicity, elegance, and vibrancy in taste never cease to impress, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Here’s to traditions, love, and of course, good food!
What You’ll Need
- 1 & 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your flour blend already contains it)
- 1/2 cup vegan margarine
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoons ice cold water
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 & 1/2 cups vegan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup unsweetened, unflavored almond milk
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour and xanthan gum. Add the vegan margarine into this mix and use your fingers to blend until it achieves a breadcrumb-like consistency.
Step Two
Add the apple cider vinegar and ice water. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Once it does, form a ball with it and then flatten into a disk. Cover it with a plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for around 30 minutes.
Step Three
While the dough is resting, prepare the tart filling. Start by heating up the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the onions and cook until they become translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute then add the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach has wilted and then set aside.
Step Four
Roll out the chilled dough in between two sheets of wax paper, making sure it’s large enough to fit your tart pan. Carefully press the dough into the pan and remove the excess edges. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.
Step Five
Combine the cooked spinach-onion-garlic mixture, shredded vegan cheese, almond milk, nutritional yeast, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until well incorporated.
Step Six
Once the tart crust has baked, remove it from the oven. Pour the spinach-cheese filling into the crust and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Place the tart back into the oven and bake for 20-25 more minutes, or until the filling has set and the top is golden.
Step Seven
Allow the tart to cool for a few minutes before cutting into slices. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Spinach and Cheese Tart!
