Name: Courgette, Feta, and Mint Tart
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487114H10M51S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium courgettes (zucchini); 1 tsp fine sea salt; 1 x 375g pack ready-rolled puff pastry; 1 medium egg, lightly beaten; 300 ml full-fat crème fraîche; ½ bunch spring onions, finely sliced; 1 x 28g pack mint, leaves chopped; 1 x 200g pack vegetarian feta cheese, roughly crumbled or chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tart brings together the crispness of courgettes, the richness of feta, and the refreshing bite of mint, all on a flaky puff pastry base. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that’s packed with fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flair. Easy to make and versatile, this tart is perfect for vegetarians and can be served as a standalone dish or paired with a side salad. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, as it tastes just as good the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 medium courgettes (zucchini)
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 x 375g pack ready-rolled puff pastry
1 medium egg, lightly beaten
300 ml full-fat crème fraîche
½ bunch spring onions, finely sliced
1 x 28g pack mint, leaves chopped
1 x 200g pack vegetarian feta cheese, roughly crumbled or chopped
1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Courgettes

Trim the ends off the courgettes and use a vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons lengthwise, discarding the core.

Place the courgette ribbons in a colander over a bowl, sprinkle with the sea salt, and toss to coat. Place a small plate on top of the courgettes and weigh it down with some tins or other heavy items to press out the excess water. Let them sit for about 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pastry

Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C, gas 7). Place an empty baking sheet in the oven to heat up, which will help ensure a crispy base for the tart.

Unroll the puff pastry onto a work surface lined with baking paper. Score a 1–1.5 cm border around the edge without cutting all the way through. Brush the border with some of the beaten egg.

3. Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the crème fraîche with the remaining beaten egg, spring onions, chopped mint, and black pepper. Spread this mixture evenly in the center of the pastry, making sure to leave the border free.

4. Assemble the Tart

Arrange the courgette ribbons loosely on top of the crème fraîche mixture. Scatter the crumbled or chopped feta cheese on top, drizzle with olive oil, and season with black pepper.

5. Bake the Tart

Carefully transfer the tart (with the baking paper) onto the preheated hot baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crispy, and the courgette edges are starting to char.

6. Serve

Let the tart rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Garnish with additional fresh mint if desired.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 548 kcal
Fat: 45 g
Saturated Fat: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Sugars: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 12 g
Salt: 2.3 g

Variations and Substitutions

Vegan Version: For a vegan option, use plant-based puff pastry and swap the crème fraîche and feta for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and vegan feta.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Herb Variations: Try adding basil or oregano in place of mint for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The tart can be frozen before baking. Assemble it, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating: Reheat slices of the tart in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the pastry is crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use zucchini instead of courgette?

Yes, zucchini works just as well as courgette in this recipe. They’re essentially the same vegetable, and both will create a fresh, crisp texture in the tart.

Can I make this tart in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tart ahead of time. Assemble it and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make this tart without the mint?

Yes, you can omit the mint if you prefer. You can also substitute it with other fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a different flavor.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! You can add cooked chicken, bacon, or even roasted chickpeas to the filling to make it more filling if desired.

Can I use another type of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor. Just be sure to crumble or chop the cheese into small pieces for even distribution.

Can I make this tart gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free puff pastry instead of regular puff pastry. Ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free (e.g., some crème fraîche might contain gluten).

What can I serve this tart with?

This tart pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal with olives, hummus, and roasted vegetables.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the tart after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.

Conclusion

This Courgette, Feta, and Mint Tart is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or appetizer. With its crispy puff pastry base, creamy feta, and fresh courgettes, it’s a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious, this tart will become a staple in your recipe collection!

Courgette, Feta, and Mint Tart

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Author: Paula
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Courgette, Feta, and Mint Tart is a fresh, summery vegetarian dish with crispy puff pastry, tender courgette ribbons, creamy feta, and refreshing mint. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or appetizer.

Instructions

Prepare the courgettes: Trim and shave thin ribbons of courgette using a vegetable peeler. Salt the ribbons and press to release excess water. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C, gas 7) and heat an empty baking sheet for a crispy base.
Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment, scoring a border and brushing it with beaten egg.
Prepare the filling: Mix crème fraîche with beaten egg, spring onions, mint, and black pepper. Spread this mixture evenly inside the pastry border.
Assemble the tart: Lay the courgette ribbons on top of the filling, sprinkle with crumbled feta, drizzle with olive oil, and season with black pepper.
Bake: Transfer to the preheated baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Serve: Let the tart rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra mint if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For a vegan version, use plant-based puff pastry and substitute the crème fraîche and feta with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and vegan feta.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the filling for more flavor and nutrition.