Guests coming over? Serve this Swiss chard and Gruyere tart
The Swiss chard and Gruyere tart is a savory vegetarian dish blending Swiss chard's earthiness with Gruyere cheese's nuttiness. Originating from the Alpine regions, it epitomizes the simplicity and wholesomeness of mountain cuisine. Ideal for anyone seeking a substantial yet refined vegetarian option, its cultural significance and rich flavor profile make it impressively delightful. Let's get cooking!
Gather the following ingredients
For the tart, gather one cup all-purpose flour, one-half teaspoon salt, four tablespoons each of cold unsalted butter and vegetable shortening, two to three tablespoons ice water, one large bunch Swiss chard (chopped), one medium onion (chopped), two cloves garlic (minced), one cup grated Gruyere cheese, three-quarters cup each of whole milk and heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the tart dough
Begin tart dough by mixing flour with salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and shortening, cutting them in until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. Drizzle in ice water, stirring until dough just starts to come together. Form it into a disk, wrap in plastic, and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.
Cook Swiss chard mixture
While your dough is chilling, prepare your filling. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent; then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add chopped Swiss chard leaves to the skillet; cook until they are wilted down and most liquid has evaporated—season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Assemble and bake tart
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. On a floured surface, roll out your chilled dough into a circle that fits your tart pan with an overhang. Transfer it carefully into your pan, pressing gently against corners without tearing it; trim any excess dough hanging over edges with scissors or a knife so it looks neat.
Serve your tart
Allow the tart to cool slightly after baking. This pause is essential, as it lets the distinct flavors of Swiss chard and Gruyere cheese meld together, creating a more cohesive taste experience. Additionally, a brief cooling period sets the tart perfectly, facilitating easier slicing. When served, each slice will be neatly cut and visually appealing, showcasing the care put into its preparation.
