Savoury Mediterranean Carrot Tart Tatin with a Homemade Shortcrust Pastry Made of Whole Grain Spelt Flour
This healthy savoury Mediterranean carrot tart combines the natural sweetness of caramelised carrots with the rich, nutty flavour of a homemade spelt whole grain shortcrust. Sautéed with olive oil and oregano, the carrots develop a deep, fragrant taste, while the crisp, buttery pastry provides the perfect base. Once flipped, the tart is topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh oregano, making it a delightful blend of rustic charm and Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a cozy brunch or a light dinner, this tart is both wholesome and delicious.
Ingredients (Serves 3-4)
For the Spelt Whole Grain Shortcrust Pastry:
200g spelt whole grain flour
90g cold butter, cut into small cubes
70ml cold water
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
For the Carrot Filling:
6-8 medium carrots, cut into thin slices
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh oregano, for garnish
Freshly grated Parmesan, for topping
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Make the Whole Grain Shortcrust Pastry
1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spelt whole grain flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the liquid: Mix the white wine vinegar and cold water, then pour this into the flour-butter mixture. Using a spoon, quickly bring the dough together. Once it starts forming a dough, briefly knead it by hand, but be careful not to overwork it.
3. Rest the dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrot Filling
1. Sauté the carrots: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced carrots and sauté them for about 4-6 minutes, until they are starting to soften and caramelise slightly around the edges. Season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart Tatin
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. Prepare the pan: Take a round oven-safe dish/pan or cake tin (around 28 cm diameter) and lightly oil it. Arrange the sautéed carrots in a neat pattern at the bottom of the pan.
3. Roll out the dough: Remove the chilled Whole Grain Shortcrust Pastry from the fridge, and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it's slightly larger than the pan.
4. Cover the carrots: Place the rolled-out dough over the carrots, tucking the edges down the sides of the pan to enclose the carrots.
5. Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 4: Finishing the Tart
1. Flip the tart: Once baked, carefully remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Place a large plate over the pan and flip the tart upside down, so the caramelised carrots are on top.
2. Top the tart: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and sprinkle with fresh oregano leaves.
Serve warm as a savoury main dish or as a side with a crisp salad. Enjoy the Mediterranean flavours of the caramelised carrots combined with the earthy spelt crust!
