A Bacon, Spinach & Cheese Tart

WORDS:: Chyka Keebaugh

PHOTOS:: Mark Lobo

A humble, no-fuss tart is my idea of a perfect Sunday evening meal that you can cook in the afternoon.

This is one of my go-to comfort foods that I just love.I think you will too! Pair this tart with a green salad and you're in for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Ingredients::

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 100g rindless bacon in short, thin strips
• 100g baby spinach leaves
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup (185ml) cream
• 1/2 cup (125ml) milk
• 1/3 cup (30g) grated parmesan

Pastry Ingredients::

• 2 cups (300g) plain flour
• 150g butter, chilled and cubed
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg

Method::

1. For pastry, mix flour, butter and salt in a food processor until mixture forms crumbs. Process with egg and 1-2 tablespoons of cold water.
2. Knead until smooth.
3. Refrigerate covered for 10mins.
4. Roll pastry out between two sheets of lightly floured non-stick baking paper and in a 25cm (base), 3cm deep fluted loose-bottomed flan.
5. Refrigerate for 30mins.
6. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
7. Add onion and bacon and cook for 8-10mins or until soft. Drain on a paper towel.
8. Microwave spinach on high for 1min or until it wilts. Cool for 5mins. Squeeze out moisture and chop.
9. Preheat oven to 190c. Place a tray in the oven and line with baking paper.
10. Cover base with rice. Bake on the hot tray for 10mins.
11. Remove paper and rice. Spread over spinach, bacon and onion.
12. Whisk eggs, cream and milk together and pour over the filling. Sprinkle the parmesan over it.
13. Bake for 30mins and serve with salad.