When you bake the puff pastry braid with eggplants and cooked ham, you’re immediately enveloped by an intense aroma. These are scents that speak of genuine flavors, captivating the palate with their simplicity and richness.
This rustic braid has a golden and crispy shell that encloses, like a treasure, a generous heart of grilled eggplants wrapped in cooked ham and tomato pulp, seasoned with oregano and basil. A mix of flavors that bursts in your mouth with every bite, transporting you among the colors and scents of the countryside.
It’s impossible not to be captivated by its unique and inviting shape, even more so when you cut into it, revealing its rich filling!
Whether you serve it for a family dinner or a picnic, this savory braid is perfect for sharing during leisurely moments.
Don’t miss these other tempting rustic recipes:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 5
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 349.11 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 25.78 (g) of which sugars 1.07 (g)
- Proteins 6.92 (g)
- Fat 24.96 (g) of which saturated 4.18 (g)of which unsaturated 15.55 (g)
- Fibers 2.27 (g)
- Sodium 835.94 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 104 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Puff Pastry Braid with Eggplants and Ham
- 1 roll puff pastry
- 8 slices eggplants
- 4 slices cooked ham
- 1 cup tomato pulp
- 4 leaves basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 4 pinches salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
Preparation of the Puff Pastry Braid with Eggplants and Ham
Wash, trim an eggplant, and cut 8 slices, not too thin.
Heat a grill well and grill the eggplant slices on both sides. Then, place them on a plate and season with two pinches of salt and one tablespoon of oil.
Pour the tomato pulp into a bowl, and add 2 pinches of salt, 1 tablespoon of oil, oregano, and the coarsely chopped basil leaves.
Spread the puff pastry rectangle on a work surface and cut strips on the long side.
Now distribute two slices of cooked ham in the center of the pastry, followed by the eggplant slices. Sprinkle with tomato pulp and cover with the remaining two slices of ham.
At this point, form the braid. First, fold the edges on the short sides, then braid the side strips.
Brush the surface of the pastry with the slightly beaten egg yolk and finish with the dried basil.
Bake the braid in a preheated oven at 392°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Serve the savory braid hot or warm.
Tips
-You can enrich the filling of this tempting savory tart by adding slices of mozzarella or provolone (3.5 oz).
-Replace the dried basil with a tablespoon of sesame seeds to decorate the puff pastry braid.
Storage
This rustic tart can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container or in a tray covered with aluminum foil, for 2-3 days.
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Collection of Savory Tarts: easy and tasty rustic recipes
FAQ
Can I replace the grilled eggplant slices with other vegetables?
Sure. You can use zucchini, which are also great grilled and pair well with cooked ham.
Can I prepare this savory tart in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the savory braid in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.
