Ziugas Cheese Tart

This delightful cheese tart blends a tender crust with a rich and savory filling, making it a beautiful dish for brunch or a dinner party. The tart is baked to perfection with a golden-brown crust complemented by a creamy, cheesy center. It features Džiugas cheese, matured for 12 months, offering a deep and complex flavor profile. The tart includes a sprinkle of marjoram and a hint of pepper, adding layers to the overall taste. While it's perfect for cheese lovers, it's also versatile enough to accommodate various tastes. The tart makes for an impressive dish, and with a bit of preparation, it comes together smoothly. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for gatherings. Paired with a crisp salad and a chilled glass of wine, it is the epitome of simple yet sophisticated dining. The combination of rich cheese, hearty cream, and earthy mushrooms ensures a harmonious and delightful culinary experience.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 200 g flour
• 70 g butter
• 4 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp Džiugas cheese, matured for 12 months
• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 3 eggs
• 150 g heavy cream
• 150 g Džiugas cheese, matured for 12 months
• A pinch of marjoram
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chanterelle mushrooms (use canned or frozen when out of season)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by combining the flour with the butter, gently crushing them together until fine crumbs form.
2. Incorporate Cheese and Salt: Add the Džiugas cheese and a pinch of salt to the flour mixture, mixing well to distribute evenly.
3. Add Water: Gradually pour in the water, kneading the mixture until a firm dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough: Line a 24 cm baking form with the dough and place it in the freezer for a short chill.
5. Prep the Chanterelles: If using large chanterelles, chop them into smaller pieces for uniformity.
6. Create the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and more Džiugas cheese until smooth.
7. Season the Mixture: Include a pinch of marjoram, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring to combine all the flavors.
8. Assemble the Tart: Pour the whisked mixture over the prepared dough crust, ensuring even coverage.
9. Top with Chanterelles: Distribute the chanterelle mushrooms on top of the egg mixture, pressing lightly to set them in.
10. Bake the Tart: Place the filled baking dish in a preheated oven at 200 °C and bake for 30–35 minutes.
11. Monitor the Baking: Keep an eye on the tart as it bakes, looking for a firm surface and beautifully browned edges.
12. Test for Doneness: Gently touch the center to check if it's set; it should still have a little jiggle.
13. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan.
14. Remove from Pan: Carefully release the tart from the form once it has cooled enough to handle.
15. Serve the Tart: Present the tart by slicing it into portions and placing on serving plates.
16. Enjoy Warm or Cooled: While best enjoyed warm, this tart is also delicious at room temperature.
17. Pair with Accompaniments: Serve it with a light green salad or roasted vegetables.
18. Consider a Chilled Beverage: Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or a lightly sparkling drink.
19. Store Leftovers: If any remain, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
20. Reheat Gently: To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a low oven to maintain its texture.

Tips

• Substitution for Džiugas: If unavailable, try another aged hard cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino.
• Crunchy Crust: For extra crunch, chill the dough longer before baking.
• Uniform Baking: Ensure the edges of the tart don't brown too quickly by using a pie shield or foil.

Nutritions

• Calories: 480 per serving
• Protein: 20 g
• Fats: 33 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the cream and eggs with a tofu blend for a vegan version.
• Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different aroma.
• Mushroom Mix: Blend different types of mushrooms for varied texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette.
• Accompany with a side of roasted bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
• Serve with artisanal bread and olive oil for dipping.

Best Places

• Café de Flore - A chic spot renowned for its elegance. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• The Cheesecake Factory - Offers diverse cheesecakes including savory varieties. Location: 235 Regent Street, London, UK.
• Tartine Bakery - Celebrated for their pastries and casual atmosphere. Location: 600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, USA.
• La Fromagerie - Known for gourmet cheese assortments. Location: 2-6 Moxon Street, London, UK.
• Formaggio Kitchen - Offers specialty cheeses and inspired dishes. Location: 244 Huron Ave, Cambridge, USA.
• Il Latini - Traditional Italian dining with an emphasis on cheese. Location: Via dei Palchetti, 6 R, Florence, Italy.
• Zuni Café - Famed for its eclectic menu and stylish ambiance. Location: 1658 Market Street, San Francisco, USA.
• Trattoria da Fiore - Quintessential Venetian dining experience. Location: San Marco 3451, Venice, Italy.
• Eataly - A bustling marketplace with diverse Italian cheese offerings. Location: 200 5th Ave, New York, USA.
• Osteria Francescana - Culinary excellence with innovative dishes. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.