Tarta Pascualina is a classic savory tart originating from Uruguay and Argentina, renowned for its delicious blend of spinach, ricotta cheese, and hard-boiled eggs encased in a flaky pastry crust. This dish has deep roots in Italian cuisine, brought to South America by Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name "Pascualina" is derived from "Pascua," meaning Easter, as it was traditionally consumed during this holiday, symbolizing the end of Lent due to its rich, indulgent ingredients. Over time, Tarta Pascualina has become a beloved staple in South American households, enjoyed year-round for its satisfying flavors and cultural significance. Today, it's a versatile dish often served as a hearty breakfast, brunch, or light dinner, celebrated for its simplicity and comforting taste.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound fresh spinach leaves

- 1 cup ricotta cheese

- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 package store-bought puff pastry dough (2 sheets)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.

3. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Remove the skillet from heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.

5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, stirring until well mixed.

6. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry dough and line a greased pie dish with it, trimming any excess dough.

7. Spread the spinach and ricotta mixture evenly over the pastry crust.

8. Arrange the sliced hard-boiled eggs on top of the spinach mixture.

9. Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges of the pastry crusts together.

10. Using a sharp knife, make small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

11. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.

12. Allow the Tarta Pascualina to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition value:

1. Fresh Spinach Leaves (1 pound):

- Calories: Approximately 65 calories

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams

- Protein: Approximately 8 grams

- Fat: Approximately 1 gram

- Sodium: Approximately 145 milligrams

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Vitamins: High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and iron

- Minerals: Rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium

- Nutritional Benefits: Spinach is low in calories but high in nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals. It's an excellent source of antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits, including improved eye health, reduced oxidative stress, and decreased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

2. Ricotta Cheese (1 cup):

- Calories: Approximately 330 calories

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8 grams

- Protein: Approximately 28 grams

- Fat: Approximately 21 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 260 milligrams

- Cholesterol: Approximately 90 milligrams

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin D

- Minerals: Good source of calcium and phosphorus

- Nutritional Benefits: Ricotta cheese is a rich source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. It also provides several essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being.

3. Hard-Boiled Eggs (4 eggs, sliced):

- Calories: Approximately 280 calories

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams

- Protein: Approximately 24 grams

- Fat: Approximately 20 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 320 milligrams

- Cholesterol: Approximately 640 milligrams

- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin A

- Minerals: Good source of selenium, phosphorus, and choline

- Nutritional Benefits: Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for optimal health. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is important for brain health and development.

4. Onion (1 onion, finely chopped):

- Calories: Approximately 45 calories

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 11 grams

- Protein: Approximately 1 gram

- Fat: Approximately 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 5 milligrams

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate

- Minerals: Good source of potassium and manganese

- Nutritional Benefits: Onions are low in calories but high in antioxidants and nutrients. They contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and improve heart health.

5. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

- Calories: Approximately 240 calories

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: Approximately 28 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 0 milligrams

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and vitamin K

- Minerals: Good source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants

- Nutritional Benefits: Olive oil is a healthy fat rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation. It also contains antioxidants that can protect cells from damage.

6. Salt and Pepper:

- Calories: Negligible

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

- Protein: Negligible

- Fat: Negligible

- Sodium: Depending on usage, typically adds sodium to taste

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Vitamins: Negligible

- Minerals: Negligible

- Nutritional Benefits: Salt adds flavor to dishes, while pepper adds a spicy kick. However, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues, so it's best used in moderation.

7. Store-Bought Puff Pastry Dough (2 sheets):

- Calories: Approximately 1600 calories (per 17.3 oz package)

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 152 grams (per 17.3 oz package)

- Protein: Approximately 20 grams (per 17.3 oz package)

- Fat: Approximately 104 grams (per 17.3 oz package)

- Sodium: Approximately 880 milligrams (per 17.3 oz package)

- Cholesterol: Approximately 0 milligrams (per 17.3 oz package)

- Vitamins: Negligible

- Minerals: Negligible

- Nutritional Benefits: Puff pastry dough is primarily made of flour, butter, and water. While it's a source of carbohydrates and fats, it's generally low in essential nutrients. However, it adds a flaky and delicious texture to dishes like Tarta Pascualina.