Very Rustic Spinach and Feta Tart

I can still picture it: the sun-drenched terrace of my Aunt Sophie’s farmhouse in Provence, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of lavender and thyme. We’d just come in from the market, baskets overflowing with fresh produce. This spinach and feta tart, still warm from the oven, always appeared as if by magic, a testament to her effortless, rustic cooking style. Its savory aroma was intoxicating, a promise of simple pleasures and shared laughter. It was never perfect, always a little lopsided, but it was utterly delicious. That memory, and that tart, is forever etched in my heart.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 tart
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 7 ounces (200g) spinach (do NOT use chard) or baby spinach leaves (do NOT use chard)
• 7 ounces (200 g) feta cheese, blotted dry if in brine
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped green onion (or spring onion, or shallots)
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) heavy cream (I suggest a thick creme fraiche, or use sour cream OR GREEK YOGHURT)
• 4 eggs, largest size
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Tabasco sauce (or use any hot sauce)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Equipment Needed

• Pie tin or tart plate (standard size)
• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). If you’re using a convection/fan oven, lower the temperature slightly to 325°F (160°C).

2. Thoroughly grease your pie tin or tart plate with butter. This will prevent the tart from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.

3. In a large bowl, prepare the spinach. If using larger spinach leaves, tear them up into smaller pieces. For a less “rustic” texture, you can chop the leaves finely.

4. Crumble the feta cheese over the spinach leaves in the bowl. Then, add the chopped green onions.

5. In another, smaller bowl, beat the heavy cream with the eggs until well combined and very smooth. Using a thick cream, such as crème fraiche, sour cream or even Greek yogurt will give the tart a lovely rich texture.

6. Add the cream and egg mixture to the bowl containing the spinach, feta, and green onions.

7. Add the Tabasco sauce (or your preferred hot sauce) to the bowl. If desired, also add the optional ground nutmeg.

8. Stir all the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. This will create a “funny mess,” as the recipe calls it, but trust the process!

9. Scrape the mixture into the prepared, greased tart plate. Ensure it’s spread evenly.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, the tart should be puffed up slightly in the center and should not wobble when you gently shake the plate.

11. Once baked, the tart can be kept warm in a warming oven until ready to serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a more refined presentation, consider finely slicing the spinach leaves.
• To avoid a soggy tart, ensure your spinach is thoroughly dried after washing. Excess moisture can make the filling watery.
• Blotting the feta dry, especially if it’s stored in brine, is a crucial step to prevent excess liquid in the final product.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of hot sauce to find your preferred level of spice.
• If you’re short on time, pre-crumbled feta cheese is a convenient option.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This spinach and feta tart is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It makes a wonderful side dish for grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or even as a light vegetarian lunch with a side salad.

To store leftovers, let the tart cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, you can warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds. Reheating in the oven will help maintain a crispier texture. The tart is best not frozen as the texture will be affected.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	219 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	163 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	18.1 g	27%
Saturated Fat	10.9 g	54%
Cholesterol	182.4 mg	60%
Sodium	479.3 mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate	4 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	1.9 g	N/A
Protein	10.7 g	21%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk or other plant-based cream alternative. Ensure the feta is also dairy-free, as some varieties are now available.
• Gluten-Free: While this recipe is crustless, you can adapt it to a gluten-free tart by using a gluten-free pie crust.
• Herbed Up: Add fresh herbs like dill, oregano, or parsley to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.
• Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, or artichoke hearts for a true Mediterranean-inspired tart.
• Individual Tartlets: Bake the mixture in individual tartlet tins instead of one large tart for a more elegant presentation.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the mixture.

Q: What if I don’t have Tabasco sauce?
A: Any hot sauce will work! Sriracha, chili flakes, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can add a similar kick.

Q: My tart is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: Cover the tart loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning.

Q: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the tart a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add a couple of minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Q: My feta is very salty. Do I still need to add salt to the recipe?
A: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You may not need to add any additional salt.

Final Thoughts

This Very Rustic Spinach and Feta Tart is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. I hope you’ll try this recipe and create your own memories around it. Feel free to experiment with the variations and substitutions to make it your own. Don’t hesitate to leave your feedback and let me know how it turns out! Pair this tart with a crisp white wine or a refreshing Greek salad for a truly delightful meal.