Rustic Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, and Goat Cheese Tart

Recipe for Rustic Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, and Goat Cheese Tart

This rustic tart combines the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and the sweet potato with the distinctive and creamy flavor of the goat cheese. It's an homemade dessert that celebrates the autumnal flavors and uses natural ingredients to create a comforting texture and aroma, ideal for a family meal or a special snack.

Preparation time

To organize the preparation well, here is a breakdown of the time needed:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the shortcrust pastry

• 250 g wheat flour
• 125 g cold butter
• 50 ml of cold water
• 1 pinch of salt

For the filling

• 300 g of peeled pumpkin, cut into cubes
• 300 g of peeled sweet potato, cut into cubes
• 150 g of crumbled goat cheese
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

If you can't find sweet potato, you can easily substitute it with sweet potato or even carrot, which provide similar sweetness and texture. If you don't like goat cheese, a fresh cheese that melts well can be an alternative, although the flavor will change noticeably.

Utensils we will use

• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Rolling pin for stretching dough
• Tart pan (20-22 cm) or homemade equivalent like a round dish
• Pan or steamer to cook pumpkin and sweet potato
• Large spoon or spatula for mixing
• Oven

Preparation

1. Prepare the shortcrust pastry

1. Mix flour and salt: Place the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Incorporate the cold butter: Cut the butter into small cubes and mix them with the flour using your fingertips until you get a sandy texture, with pea-sized pieces.
3. Add the cold water: Pour in the water little by little while mixing until the dough starts to come together. Avoid over-kneading so that the gluten doesn't activate and the dough remains crumbly.
4. Form and refrigerate: Form a ball with the dough, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate it for 30 minutes so it firms up and is easier to roll out.

2. Cook the pumpkin and sweet potato

1. Wash and peel: Wash and peel the pumpkin and sweet potato, then cut them into uniform cubes of approximately 2 cm.
2. Steam or boil: Cook the cubes in a steamer or pot with water until tender when pierced, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Drain and mash: Drain well to remove excess water and mash with a fork or masher until a rustic purée is achieved, leaving some small pieces for texture.

3. Prepare the filling

1. Mix egg and cornstarch: In a bowl, beat the eggs with the cornstarch and honey until fully combined.
2. Incorporate the purées: Add the pumpkin and sweet potato purée to the bowl with the eggs, mix well.
3. Add cheese, thyme, salt and pepper: Add the crumbled goat cheese and chopped fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix gently to combine.

4. Assemble the tart

1. Roll out the dough: Take the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out with a rolling pin on a floured surface, giving it a round shape large enough to cover the mold and fold the edges.
2. Place in the mold: Place the dough in the mold, making sure it covers the edges. Trim any excess if necessary.
3. Add the filling: Pour the pumpkin, sweet potato, and cheese mixture over the dough, spreading it evenly.
4. Fold the edges: Bring the edges of the dough inwards, forming rustic pleats that hold the filling without completely covering it.

5. Bake the rustic tart

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180 ºC (without fan) so that it reaches the temperature before putting in the tart.
2. Baked: Place the tart on the central rack and bake for 40-45 minutes. The dough should be golden and the filling firm but juicy.
3. Final check: Watch that the edges don't burn; if they do, cover with aluminum foil in the last 10 minutes.

To finish and serve

Let the tart rest for about 10 minutes before unmolding and serving, so the filling sets. You can accompany it with a fresh salad or simply enjoy it warm to appreciate the contrast of textures and flavors. This rustic tart naturally combines traditional ingredients and is perfect for sharing at a homemade meal.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 280 kcal per serving
• Proteins: 8 g
• Fats: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Estimated values per serving, may vary depending on ingredients and exact portions.

5 keys to make the rustic pumpkin, sweet potato, and goat cheese tart perfect

When preparing this rustic tart, there are fundamental aspects that ensure a successful and tasty result. Knowing them will save you time and surprises in the kitchen.

1. Correct handling of shortcrust pastry: It is key not to overwork the dough, so that it remains light and crispy, and to keep the butter cold to prevent it from melting prematurely.
2. Uniformity in cutting: Cutting the pumpkin and sweet potato into cubes of the same size ensures even cooking and prevents hard or very soft pieces.
3. Drying the puree: Before mixing the purees with the rest of the ingredients, it is advisable to remove excess moisture so that the filling does not become liquid and affect the texture of the tart.
4. Baking temperature and time: Keeping the oven hot and placing the tart in the center prevents the base or edges from burning and the filling from remaining raw.
5. Resting after baking: Allowing the tart to rest allows the flavors to integrate and the filling to acquire an ideal consistency for cutting and serving without falling apart.

When is it ideal to enjoy this rustic tart?

This dish is especially appropriate during the autumn months, when pumpkin y sweet potato they are in season and their flavor is sweeter and more concentrated. Its combination with goat cheese intense makes it perfect for family dinners or informal gatherings where a simple but characterful meal is preferred. It can also work as elegant appetizer in special meals. Furthermore, its texture and flavor make it an excellent homemade dessert for those who enjoy sweet and savory preparations.

Comparison with other similar rustic tart recipes

Share your experience

If you decide to prepare this rustic pumpkin, sweet potato, and goat cheese tart, don't hesitate to comment on how it turned out, what variations you tried, or what other cheeses you used. Cooking is a space for experimenting and learning. Every small adjustment can transform the dish, so sharing those experiences always enriches everyone who enjoys good food at home.

Basic culinary glossary for this recipe

• Shortcrust pastry: Dough characterized by its crispy and easily crumbled texture thanks to cold butter mixed with flour.
• Sweet potato: Sweet tuber similar to a sweet potato, widely used in traditional cuisine to add flavor and texture.
• Goat cheese: Cheese made with goat's milk, it has a slightly acidic flavor and creamy texture.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch used to thicken mixtures and provide structure in desserts.
• Rest the dough: Leave the dough in the fridge so that the butter hardens and the gluten relaxes, making it easier to handle.