Dandelion Tart

This tart tastes rich and creamy, though there is no cream in it. When you blanch the dandelion greens, they lose some of their bitterness.

Ingredients

• 1 generous bunch dandelion greens, about 12 ounces
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 6 mushrooms, sliced (about 1 cup sliced mushrooms)
• 1 or 2 garlic cloves (to taste), green shoots removed, minced
• 4 large or extra large eggs
• ¾ cup low-fat milk
• Freshly ground pepper
• ¾ cup Gruyère cheese, grated (3 ounces)
• 1 yeasted olive oil crust

• Nutritional Information

  • Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

    347 calories; 22 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 9 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 25 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 12 grams protein; 141 milligrams cholesterol; 440 milligrams sodium

  Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
  Powered by DiningAndCooking.com

Serves six

Preparation

1. Cut the tough stems from the dandelion greens, about 1 inch from the bottom, and wash in two changes of water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and fill a bowl with ice water. When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the dandelion greens. Blanch four minutes and transfer to the ice water. Drain, squeeze out excess water and chop.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes, and add a pinch of salt and the mushrooms. Cook, stirring, for four to five minutes, until the mushrooms have softened and the onions are golden. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, then stir in the dandelion greens. Stir together for a minute, and remove from the heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Brush the bottom of the pastry shell, and place in the preheated oven for five minutes. Remove from the oven. Whisk the milk into the eggs, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, freshly ground pepper to taste and stir in the cooked vegetables and cheese. Turn into the crust. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until set and the top is lightly browned. Remove from the heat and allow to sit for 15 minutes before serving. Serve hot or warm.

• Variation: Omit the crust and make this as a gratin. If you wish, you can make the gratin using only three eggs and 1/2 cup milk. Advance preparation: You can prepare the greens up to three days in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. You can make the recipe through step 2 several hours before assembling and baking the tart. Martha Rose Shulman can be reached at martha-rose-shulman.com.

1 hour 30 minutes