Nestled in the heart of South America, Argentina boasts a culinary tapestry enriched by diverse influences, and one dish that truly embodies this heritage is the Argentine Tarta. A savory delight enjoyed for generations, this dish reflects the essence of Argentine tradition and the warmth of shared meals. Packed with wholesome ingredients, Argentine Tarta provides the body with essential vitamins such as B-complex, calcium, and iron, while offering a balanced blend of proteins and carbs. However, indulgence should be mindful, as overconsumption may lead to excessive calorie intake. Join us as we explore the rich history, flavors, and nutritional benefits of this iconic Argentine cuisine, celebrating its role in uniting communities and preserving tradition.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or make your own if you prefer)
- 200g ham, diced
- 200g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Ingredient Substitutions
- Replace the mozzarella with reduced-fat mozzarella or a vegan cheese substitute
- Replace the shredded ham with diced mushrooms, tofu, or lentils for a vegan option.
- Choose almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of regular milk
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare the Crust: If you're using a pre-made crust, place it in a tart pan. If making your own, roll out the dough and fit it into the tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool.
Assemble the Tart: Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly over the tart crust. Add the diced ham on top and finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the ham, cheese, and vegetables in the tart crust.
Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the filling is set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the tart to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
This Tarta de Jamón y Queso is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Enjoy the layers of flavors that characterize this classic Argentine dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the approximate preparation time for the recipe?
- Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with an additional 30-35 minutes for baking.
Can the Tarta be prepared in advance?
- Yes, the Tarta can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator before baking, and bake when ready to serve.
What ingredients can be substituted?
- Ham: Replace with cooked chicken, turkey, or a vegetarian protein like tofu or mushrooms.
- Milk: Use almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Cheese: Opt for low-fat or plant-based cheese.
Is the Tarta suitable for freezing?
- Yes, it freezes well after baking. Cool the Tarta completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven before serving for the best results.
Can the recipe be made without milk?
- Yes, the recipe can be made without milk. You can replace the milk with water, broth, or a plant-based milk substitute like almond milk or oat milk for a similar texture and flavor.
What are the vegan options for tartare?
- For a vegan tartare, skip the ham and add a mix of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also add crumbled feta or ricotta cheese to enhance the flavor.
Can this be made with a gluten-free crust?
- Absolutely. A gluten-free pie crust can be used as a direct substitute for a regular crust. Make sure the crust is firm enough to hold the filling by baking it in a random way before assembling the tart.
How to store tartare for the longest possible time?
- Cooling: Store the baked tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Once completely cooled, wrap the tart in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutritional Values:
Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and the actual nutritional content may vary based on the specific products you use:
1. Pre-made Pie Crust (1 serving, about 1/6th of a standard crust)
- Calories: 120-150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Fat: 7-9g
- Sodium: 100-200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg (if made with vegetable oil)
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin A, E (from fat content)
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron (varies depending on ingredients)
Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and fats, and contributes to the overall structure of the tart.
2. 200g Ham (Diced)
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1-2g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
- Cholesterol: 50-60mg
- Vitamins: B6, B12, Niacin
- Minerals: Zinc, Phosphorus, Iron
Nutritional Benefit: High-quality protein for muscle repair and immune support, provides vitamins like B12 for energy production, and minerals like zinc for immune function.
3. 200g Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
- Calories: 600-800 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4-8g
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 40-60g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
- Cholesterol: 80-100mg
- Vitamins: A, B12, D
- Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in calcium for bone health, provides protein for muscle maintenance, and contains fat-soluble vitamins A and D for immune support and vision health.
4. 1 Medium Onion (Finely Chopped)
- Calories: 40-50 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Fat: 0-1g
- Sodium: 5-10mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Potassium, Manganese
Nutritional Benefit: A good source of antioxidants like quercetin which may help reduce inflammation. High in fiber, it supports digestive health.
5. 1 Red Bell Pepper (Diced)
- Calories: 30-40 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7-9g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Fat: 0-1g
- Sodium: 0-5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Potassium, Folate
Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamin C for immune support, and beta-carotene for eye health. Provides fiber for digestive health and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.
6. 4 Large Eggs
- Calories: 320-360 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2-4g
- Protein: 28-32g
- Fat: 20-24g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Cholesterol: 720mg
- Vitamins: B12, D, A, Folate
- Minerals: Selenium, Phosphorus, Iron
Nutritional Benefit: Complete protein with all essential amino acids. Eggs are rich in vitamins and minerals for overall health, including vitamin D for calcium absorption and vitamin B12 for energy production.
7. 1 Cup Milk
- Calories: 80-120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8-12g
- Protein: 4-8g
- Fat: 4-8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Cholesterol: 20-30mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin D, A, B12
- Minerals: Calcium, Potassium
Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of calcium for strong bones, and vitamin D to help with the absorption of calcium. Provides protein for muscle health and energy.
8. Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: Varies based on amount used
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins and Minerals: Sodium (from salt)
Nutritional Benefit: Salt adds sodium for fluid balance, while pepper adds a small amount of antioxidants, such as piperine, that may aid digestion.
9. Olive Oil (for Sautéing, 1 tbsp)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 14g (mostly monounsaturated fats)
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E, K
- Minerals: Iron
Nutritional Benefit: Olive oil is a source of healthy fats that may reduce inflammation and support heart health. It also provides antioxidants such as vitamin E that protect cells from oxidative damage.
This breakdown covers the main nutritional components and benefits of each ingredient, giving you an overview of how each contributes to the dish.
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