Casseroles

Savoury ‘sunflower’ tart

⏱ 60 min🍳 40 min👤 6 pp★★★★☆

When family or friends are with you to celebrate an anniversary or another significant event, it’s worthwhile trying to create dishes that are not only lovely to eat, but beautiful to look at. This recipe is just such an aesthetic delight, as well as being very satisfying to the palate. It’s a wonderful savoury tart made with a delicious shortcrust pastry and a tasty filling made with ricotta and spinach, to which we have given the striking shape of a sunflower. All you have to do is slightly turn its petals and sprinkle the centre with some fragrant and attractive poppy seeds to get the desired effect. And then, petal by petal, the sunflower tart will disappear in seconds!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 420 kcal / serving

Protein
14g
Carbohydrates
32g
Fat
28g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Total time
40 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Roll out the first disc of pastry dough and prick with a fork. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare the filling by mixing the spinach, ricotta cheese, parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper well together. Add the egg and beat again. Fill the pastry with the prepared mixture as follows. In the centre of the dough circle put a small dome of the filling. Leave a space of a few centimetres, then add more filling to form a circular ring. Take care to keep the filling far enough from the edge of the dough circle. At this point, cover with the second disk of pastry and seal the edges with the prongs of a fork. Take a small dessert bowl, place it upside down over the centre of the tart and with the tip of a knife, prick the pastry every 3cm around the bowl. Remove the bowl and, starting from these incisions, cut the tart into ‘spokes’ all around the cake, towards the outer rim. With the help of a spatula, take each slice of the tart and turn it 45 degrees: proceed until you done this for all the slices. Brush everything with milk and sprinkle the centre of the sunflower with poppy seeds. Finally, bake for 40 minutes.

Tips
You can vary the recipe with different fillings: one based on mushrooms, for example, or meat or perhaps mixed vegetables.
Trivia
Shortcrust pastry is originally from France, and is typically used for savoury dishes such as quiche or tarts. The filling made with ricotta and spinach is, however, a classic Italian combination. So, this recipe is a little French and a little Italian.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Sunflower Savory Pie with Spinach and Ricotta

One of the tastiest variations of the sunflower savory pie is undoubtedly the one that uses spinach and ricotta. This combination not only enriches the dish with flavors but also offers remarkable creaminess and a vibrant color. To prepare this version, it is essential to choose fresh spinach, which will add a touch of freshness and an irresistible aroma. The ricotta, light and flavorful, blends perfectly with the other ingredients, creating a soft and tasty filling. Additionally, the addition of poppy seeds on the surface of the pie not only makes the dish more aesthetically pleasing but also adds a pleasant crunch to the final bite. This preparation is ideal for a family lunch or a dinner with friends and can be served hot or at room temperature.

Molisana Sunflower Savory Pie with Fresh Ingredients

The molisana sunflower savory pie is a preparation that stands out for its use of fresh and genuine ingredients typical of the culinary tradition of Molise. In this variation, the shortcrust pastry is filled with a combination of fresh spinach, local ricotta, and grana, creating a perfect balance between flavor and texture. The molisana tradition also includes the use of fresh aromatic herbs, such as parsley or basil, which can be added to further enhance the taste of the filling. The pie is then baked in the oven until golden, releasing an enveloping aroma that fills the kitchen. Served as an appetizer or as a main dish, this savory pie is a true tribute to the gastronomic tradition of the region, perfect to enjoy on any occasion.

Light Sunflower Savory Pie with Ricotta and Spinach

For those looking for a lighter preparation, the light sunflower savory pie is the ideal choice. In this variation, it is possible to use lower-calorie ingredients without compromising flavor. For example, one can replace the shortcrust pastry with a base of whole wheat puff pastry or prepare a base with oat flour. The ricotta, already a lean cheese, can be used in larger quantities, while the spinach, rich in vitamins and minerals, brings freshness and lightness to the dish. Additionally, the amount of oil and salt can be reduced while still maintaining an excellent balance of flavors. This version is perfect for those who want to indulge in a tasty meal without feeling weighed down, ideal for a summer lunch or a light dinner.

Nutritional Benefits of Sunflower Savory Pie with Spinach and Ricotta

The sunflower savory pie, especially in the variant with spinach and ricotta, offers numerous nutritional benefits. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants, which support bone health and the immune system. Ricotta, on the other hand, is an excellent source of protein and calcium, essential for maintaining muscle mass and bone health. In terms of calories, a serving of sunflower savory pie can contain approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions. This preparation is therefore not only delicious but also nutritious, making it suitable for a balanced and healthy diet.

Can the Sunflower Savory Pie be Frozen?

Freezing the sunflower savory pie is absolutely possible and represents a practical solution for having a ready meal in case of need. It is advisable to let it cool completely before proceeding to freeze it, in order to avoid ice formation and maintain the consistency of the filling. Once cooled, it can be wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container suitable for the freezer. When you wish to consume it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours and then reheat it in the oven to restore the crispness of the pastry. By doing so, you can enjoy a sunflower savory pie as if it were freshly made, without compromising flavor and quality.