Aargauer Kräutertorte
A savory tart from the canton of Aargau, featuring a rich custard filling infused with a blend of fresh herbs, encased in a delicate pastry crust. It's often served as a light meal or appetizer.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g All-purpose flour
- 125 g Cold butter(cubed)
- 1 large Egg yolk
- 2-3 tbsp Ice water
- 300 ml Heavy cream
- 100 ml Milk
- 3 large Eggs
- 100 g Fresh mixed herbs(e.g., chives, parsley, lovage, tarragon, dill, finely chopped)
- 50 g Gruyère cheese(grated)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- a pinch Nutmeg
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the pastry, combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg yolk and gradually add ice water until the dough just comes together.
💡 Tip: Do not overwork the dough. - 2
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out the dough and line a 24cm (9.5 inch) tart pan. Prick the base with a fork and blind bake for 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
While the crust bakes, whisk together cream, milk, eggs, chopped herbs, grated Gruyère, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
💡 Tip: Ensure herbs are finely chopped for even distribution. - 5
Pour the filling into the pre-baked tart shell. Reduce oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
⏱️ 30-35 minutes - 6
Let the tart cool slightly before slicing and serving.
💡 Tip: Best served warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a variety of fresh herbs for a complex flavor profile.
- ✓Blind baking the crust prevents a soggy bottom.
- ✓Adjust the herb mixture based on seasonal availability and personal preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely diced leeks or onions to the filling.
- Incorporate other Swiss cheeses like Emmental or Appenzeller.