Kale’s Remarkable Journey to Our Hearts
Remember when kale, much like the backdrop in a sweet potato & kale tart, was overshadowed by other famed vegetables? It patiently awaited its turn in the spotlight. Today, kale has become a staple for health aficionados, its rich green leaves enhancing many dishes. Once renowned chefs and food bloggers championed it alongside sweet potatoes in recipes, this verdant veggie swiftly rose to fame in kitchens everywhere.
Just like the unexpected rise of quinoa, the surge in popularity of pomegranates, or the charming obsession with mason jars, kale has its own story. At “Woks of Life”, we might have missed the initial bandwagon, but we’re making a grand entrance now. Introducing our heartfelt creation—a Cheesy Kale and Sweet Potato tart. Enveloping the goodness of kale and the earthy sweetness of potatoes with velvety cheese, all nestled within a golden crust—it’s not just a dish; it’s a sentiment on a plate. And if you’re seeking to bring warmth to your Thanksgiving spread, you’ve found the perfect addition!
Embrace These Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 ¼ cups standard flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- A pinch of table salt
- 1 cold butter stick, segmented
- Single egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon chilled water
For the Soulful Filling:
- 2 dollops of butter
- ½ cup leeks, finely curated
- 1 generous bunch of fresh kale, prepped and minced
- A dash of crushed red pepper flakes
- Olive oil to drizzle
- Salt & pepper for seasoning
- 1 petite, lovely sweet potato
- A couple of fresh thyme sprigs and extra for garnishing
- 1 cup velvety ricotta or mellow cream cheese
- 1/2 cup selected cheese (gruyere, mature cheddar, or manchego are perfect)
Craft Your Heartfelt Tart:
- Start with love and the pastry. In a spacious bowl, blend the flour, sugar, and salt. Integrate the cold butter pieces until a breadcrumb-like consistency emerges. Marry the egg yolk with cold water, and gently infuse into the dry mix. Lovingly mold the dough, seal it with care, and let it relax in the fridge for an hour. Let it breathe a little before its grand roll-out.
- Caress the dough onto your tart mold, ensuring evenness throughout. Gracefully poke the base with a fork and let it cool its heels in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- As the dough rests, ignite the filling’s magic. Melt butter in a pan, introducing the leeks until they’re tender and translucent. As their aroma fills the room, welcome the kale, pepper flakes, and a touch of olive oil, seasoning it to your taste. Once you feel the kale soften, it’s time to rest.
- Set the stage by preheating your oven to 375°F (210°C). Grace your tart base with a 10-minute bake, ensuring it remains poised. If it tends to rise, a gentle touch with a fork will do.
- Turn to the sweet potato, sculpting ultra-fine slices. Mix this with the thyme and your cheese choice into the kale medley. Layer your tart with these treasures, starting and ending with the potato. Lovingly brush with olive oil, and sprinkle the cheese to crown your creation. Bake until its golden hue captivates your heart, which is usually around 20 minutes.
Relish each bite, for in this tart lies a story of tradition, innovation, and most importantly, love.