Savory pies are a culinary treasure, often celebrated in Italy and France but not as well-known elsewhere. It’s truly a shame because these pies are not only visually stunning but also unforgettable when prepared with the right ingredients. This Mushroom-Leek Tart, with its French origin, is a prime example of the exquisite flavors and elegant presentation that savory pies can offer.
SERVES 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 recipe Basic Pie Dough
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 5 or 6 leeks, white parts only, chopped and washed twice
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 package (10 ounces) white mushrooms, sliced
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Pie Dough: Roll out the pie dough for the bottom crust very thin and gently press it into a 10-inch pie pan. Allow the excess dough to hang over the rim of the pan.
- Roll out the dough for the top crust into an 11-inch round shape and place it on a floured sheet pan. Refrigerate both parts until they are needed.
- Whisk together the large egg and milk, creating an egg wash that will be used to seal and glaze the tart.
- Heat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before baking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a heavy skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped leeks in a few drops of water until they turn bright green, which typically takes about 3 minutes.
- Transfer the blanched leeks to a plate to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled leeks with sage, heavy cream, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sliced white mushrooms. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients to create a flavorful and well-seasoned filling.
- Assemble the Tart: Fill the prepared pie bottom with the vegetable mixture, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Brush the rim of the pie dough with the egg wash, which will serve as the “glue” for sealing the tart.
- Carefully place the rolled-out top crust onto the tart. A helpful tip is to fold the crust into quarters, unfold it over the tart, and gently press the edges to seal.
- Brush the top crust generously with the remaining egg wash.
- Create a few vents in the top crust using scissors or a knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Baking and Serving: Bake the assembled tart in the center of your preheated oven until it turns golden and bubbly. This usually takes around 35 minutes.
- Once baked, allow the tart to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting it into elegant wedges.
The Mushroom-Leek Tart is a testament to the exquisite flavors and elegant presentation that savory pies can offer. With its French origin, this dish celebrates the art of combining simple yet carefully selected ingredients to create a harmonious fusion of textures and tastes. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this tart is bound to captivate your taste buds and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the world of savory pies. Enjoy the delicious journey into French culinary elegance!
