Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tartlets

This delightful recipe brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the creamy richness of goat cheese, all nestled in a crispy filo pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or a savory snack, these tartlets are both elegant and simple to make. The buttery, flaky pastry complements the rich, cheesy filling, creating a harmony of textures and tastes. With minimal ingredients, this dish lets the flavors of high-quality cheese and fresh mushrooms shine through. It's an ideal choice for dinner parties or as a gourmet treat just for yourself. The preparation process is straightforward, making it accessible even if you're new to working with filo pastry. Made with a handful of ingredients, it's a delightful way to enjoy a sophisticated dish that's sure to impress. These tartlets make for an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering, promising to leave your guests delighted.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pack filo pastry
• 150g melted butter (for pastry)
• 1 tsp butter (for filling)
• 40g mushrooms
• 1 heaping tbsp goat cheese

Spices:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• A little oil

Preparation Time

• Total: 35 minutes (including preparation and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Filo Pastry: Begin by laying a sheet of filo pastry on a clean surface. Brush one side generously with melted butter.
2. Layer the Sheets: Fold the buttered sheet in half, and repeat the buttering process once more. If you prefer thicker tartlets, repeat with a second sheet of pastry.
3. Arrange the Pastry: Place the prepared pastry into metal tart molds, trimming any excess that hangs over the edges.
4. Bake the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Bake the pastry shells for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Cool the Tartlets: Remove the tartlets from the molds while they are still warm, allowing them to cool upside down to maintain their shape.
6. Prepare the Filling: In a pan, heat a teaspoon of butter along with a little oil. This prevents the butter from burning.
7. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms to the pan, season with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
8. Combine with Cheese: Once the mushrooms are cooked, remove the pan from heat. Add the goat cheese in small crumbles, allowing it to soften but not completely melt.
9. Mix the Ingredients: Gently stir the mixture, ensuring that it remains chunky and doesn’t turn into a paste.
10. Fill the Tartlets: Spoon the mushroom and cheese mixture into each tartlet shell, filling them generously.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Present the tartlets on a serving platter, and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips

• Substitute Ingredients: You can replace goat cheese with feta or another soft cheese.
• Add Herbs: For extra flavor, add a pinch of thyme or rosemary to the mushroom mixture.
• Storage Advice: Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container; reheat them briefly in an oven before serving.

Nutritions

• Calories: 210 per serving
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Enhance the filling with roasted bell peppers or caramelized onions.
• Vegan Variation: Use a plant-based cheese and butter alternative for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Serve alongside a chilled glass of white wine for an elegant touch.

Best Places

• Le Meurice - Elegant hotel restaurant with sophisticated French cuisine. Location: 228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• The French Laundry - A renowned restaurant offering exquisite dishes in an elegant setting. Location: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, USA.
• Osteria Francescana - Experimental tasting menus and haute cuisine. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.
• El Celler de Can Roca - Traditional Catalan dishes with a contemporary twist. Location: C/ de Can Sunyer, 48, Girona, Spain.
• Noma - Celebrated for its Nordic cuisine, Noma offers creative, locally sourced dishes. Location: Refshalevej 96, Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Dinner by Heston - Features dishes inspired by historical British recipes. Location: 66 Knightsbridge, London, UK.
• Arpège - Combines creativity with passion for vegetables in a fabulous setting. Location: 84 Rue de Varenne, Paris, France.
• Central - Renowned for focusing on Peruvian biodiversity. Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Peru.
• Gaggan - Known for its unique take on progressive Indian cuisine. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Eleven Madison Park - Serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on pure, seasonal flavors. Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, USA.