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Strawberry Tart with Fillo Crust and Cheesy Feta-Pistachio Filling Recipe

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3.8 from 49 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful Strawberry Tart with a crisp fillo crust, creamy cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and a sweet balsamic reduction. This elegant dessert combines the crunch of a buttery fillo crust with tangy feta and goat cheese, punctuated by fresh basil and a drizzle of honey and balsamic glaze, perfect for a refreshing and sophisticated treat.

Ingredients

Strawberry and Sugar

  • 16 oz. fresh strawberries, cleaned and thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp sugar

Fillo Crust

  • 14 phyllo sheets
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 2-3 tbsp crushed unsalted pistachios
  • Handful torn fresh basil leaves

Cheese Filling

  • 5 oz. creamy feta cheese, at room temperature, crumbled or cut into small chunks
  • 5 oz. goat cheese (or cream cheese), at room temperature, cut into small chunks
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey

Balsamic Reduction

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F with a rack positioned in the middle to ensure even baking.
  2. Prepare Strawberries: Place the thinly sliced strawberries in a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of sugar, and toss to combine. Transfer to a colander and set aside to drain excess moisture.
  3. Make Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool; it will thicken further as it cools.
  4. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a food processor fitted with a mixing blade, blend 5 oz. feta cheese, 5 oz. goat cheese (or cream cheese), 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 tablespoons honey. Process until smooth and spreadable, scraping down the sides as needed. Set aside.
  5. Handle Fillo Sheets: Carefully unroll the phyllo sheets on a slightly damp kitchen towel and cover with another damp towel to prevent drying and tearing.
  6. Prepare Tart Pan: Lightly brush an 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom using a mixture of olive oil and melted butter.
  7. Assemble Fillo Crust: Lay 2 fillo sheets in the bottom of the tart pan with their short sides against the sides of the pan; brush generously with the olive oil and butter mixture. Add 2 more sheets laid crosswise over them and brush again with the oil and butter mixture. Repeat layering in pairs, alternating the direction of the sheets and brushing each layer thoroughly. After all sheets are used, brush the top layer well.
  8. Create Edges: Gently pull up the sides of the fillo and fold them whimsically to create decorative edges for the tart crust.
  9. Spread Cheese Filling: Evenly spread the prepared cheese filling over the fillo crust. Sprinkle crushed unsalted pistachios on top.
  10. Bake Tart: Place the tart pan on a larger sheet pan and slide onto the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese filling melts and the fillo crust turns a beautiful golden brown and crisps up. Remove from the oven and allow the tart to cool completely so the cheese filling sets.
  11. Add Fresh Basil and Strawberries: Scatter torn fresh basil leaves on top. Arrange the prepared strawberries in concentric circles over the tart surface.
  12. Serve: Slice the tart into 8 equal pieces or 16 smaller portions. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction before serving to add a sweet and tangy finish. Enjoy your elegant strawberry tart!

Notes

  • To keep fillo sheets from drying out, always cover unused sheets with a damp towel during assembly.
  • For a vegetarian variation, use cream cheese only, omitting feta if desired.
  • The balsamic reduction can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.
  • This tart is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
  • Use a tart pan with a removable bottom to easily release the delicate fillo crust.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://quickandsweetrecipes.com/strawberry-tart-with-fillo-crust-and-cheesy-feta-pistachio-filling-recipe/