The savory tart with agretti is a simple and tasty recipe, perfect to bring the flavors of spring to the table. Agretti, also known as “barba di frate,” are a seasonal green with a gently tangy flavor and a tender texture, much appreciated for their versatility in the kitchen. Besides being light and rich in water, they are also a good source of fiber and minerals.
In this savory tart they are combined with the creaminess of ricotta and the convenience of puff pastry, creating a soft and flavorful filling that is quick to prepare. It’s an ideal recipe for an appetizer, a light dinner, or to serve at a spring brunch.
Try it yourself and let yourself be won over by its fresh, delicate taste!
Here are other tasty seasonal recipes:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Cooking time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Oven, Stovetop
- Seasonality: Spring
- Energy 429.16 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 28.56 (g) of which sugars 1.35 (g)
- Proteins 13.50 (g)
- Fat 28.90 (g) of which saturated 6.67 (g)of which unsaturated 20.48 (g)
- Fibers 1.77 (g)
- Sodium 450.70 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 100 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
- 1 roll puff pastry
- 7 oz agretti
- 1 egg (large)
- 2/3 cup ricotta cheese
- 1.4 oz speck (or pancetta, to taste)
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Tools
- Tart pan 10 1/4 in
- Pan
- Bowl
Preparation
Clean the agretti by removing the roots and the reddish parts (1), wash them well under running water, or soak them for 10–15 minutes and rinse.
Place them in a wide pan with a drizzle of olive oil and a little water.
Salt them and cook until tender; it will only take a few minutes (2).
Drain them well, removing any remaining liquid, and let them cool.
Meanwhile, beat the egg in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the ricotta and mix until creamy.
Cut the speck into thin strips.
Open the puff pastry and place it in the tart pan. Fold it along the edges and prick it with a fork.
Distribute the agretti, the speck, and the ricotta cream over it (3).
Put the tart in a fan (convection) oven at 356–374°F and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the base is dry and golden. Adjust times and settings based on your oven.
The savory tart with agretti is ready; let it rest a few minutes before slicing and serving… enjoy!
Tips and notes
You can use shortcrust pastry (pâte brisée) instead of puff pastry.
Instead of frying them in a pan, you can boil the agretti in salted boiling water for 5 minutes, but then you will need to squeeze them well to remove as much water as possible.
You can replace the ricotta (wholly or partly) with a soft creamy cheese such as robiola.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I omit the speck?
Sure, you can replace it with pancetta or cooked ham, or omit the cured meat entirely.
Can I prepare the savory tart in advance?
I recommend baking it when needed so the puff pastry is dry and crispy. If necessary, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it in the oven.
