Criollo Tart with Malbec Onions, Roasted Squash and Criollo Cheese on a Seeded Crust
Argentine Food
Intermediate

Criollo Tart with Malbec Onions, Roasted Squash and Criollo Cheese on a Seeded Crust

An original Argentine-inspired savory tart with a crisp homemade flour-and-seed crust, filled with roasted squash, slowly cooked Malbec onions, criollo cheese, and a touch of thyme. It balances sweet, earthy, and dairy-rich flavors in a dish perfect as a main course.

30 minPrep
60 minCook
90 minTotal
6Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
6
  • 220 g all-purpose flour (for the dough)
  • 25 g sunflower seeds (for the dough)
  • 12 g sesame seeds (for the dough)
  • 8 g salt (divided entre dough and relleno)
  • 100 g cold butter (diced, for the dough)
  • 1 unit egg (for the dough)
  • 30 ml cold water (approx., for unir the dough)
  • 600 g butternut squash (pelado and diced)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 400 g onions (cut en pluma fina)
  • 120 ml Malbec wine (for cocinar the cebollas)
  • 8 g sugar (for equilibrar the acidez of the vino)
  • 4 g fresh thyme (hojitas sueltas)
  • 220 g criollo cheese (grated grueso or en fetas finas)
  • 30 g grated sardo-style cheese (for gratinar)
  • 2 units egg (for ligar the relleno)
  • 120 ml heavy cream (for the relleno)
  • 1 g nutmeg (freshly grated)

Nutrition facts

per serving

462 kcal
Calories
14 g
Protein
33 g
Carbs
30 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
30 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyEggsSesameSulfites

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F. Place the butternut squash on a baking tray and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Roast for 25 minutes, until tender with golden edges. Remove and let it cool slightly.

  2. 2

    2. Meanwhile, make the crust. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the cold butter and rub it in with your fingertips until sandy. Add 1 egg and the cold water; bring together without overworking until a dough forms. Wrap and let rest for 15 minutes.

  3. 3

    3. In a wide skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and a pinch of salt; cook for 10 minutes, stirring, until softened. Add the sugar and Malbec wine, reduce the heat, and cook 12 to 15 minutes more until the liquid reduces and the onions are glossy and soft. Stir in the fresh thyme and let cool for a few minutes.

  4. 4

    4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and line a 24 cm / 9 1/2-inch tart pan. Prick the base with a fork. Bake at 190 °C / 375 °F for 12 minutes for a light blind bake.

  5. 5

    5. In a bowl, whisk the 2 eggs with the heavy cream, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix in half of the criollo cheese.

  6. 6

    6. Spread the roasted squash and the Malbec onions over the pre-baked crust. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the top. Scatter the remaining criollo cheese and finish with the grated sardo-style cheese.

  7. 7

    7. Bake the tart at 190 °C / 375 °F for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set and the top is golden.

  8. 8

    8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the filling can settle. Serve warm.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, roast the squash until some edges are well caramelized. If you want an even crisper crust, blind bake it with baking weights for the first 8 minutes.

Substitutions

You can replace criollo cheese with pategrás or firm mozzarella. Fresh thyme can be swapped for fresh oregano. If you do not have Malbec, use another dry red wine.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
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  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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