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This rustic vegetable crostata transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal that's perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. The flaky whole wheat crust cradles layers of caramelized onions, garlicky Swiss chard, and tender potatoes—all complemented by creamy goat cheese that melts beautifully throughout.
I first made this crostata for a weekend gathering at our mountain cabin, and it's become my signature dish whenever I want to showcase seasonal vegetables in an elegant way. The ooohs and aaahs when you bring it to the table make the preparation time worthwhile every time.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure for our flaky crust
- Whole wheat flour: Adds wonderful nutty flavor and nutritional value
- Unsalted butter: Must be very cold for the flakiest texture
- Yellow onion: Caramelizes beautifully for a sweet foundation of flavor
- Red potatoes: Hold their shape when sliced thin and provide heartiness
- Rainbow Swiss chard: Brings gorgeous color and earthy flavor to balance the richness
- Goat cheese: Offers tangy creaminess that pulls everything together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the crust:
- Combine flours and salt in a large bowl, then incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until you see pea-sized pieces. This technique is crucial for creating layers in your final crust. Add just enough cold water for the dough to come together without becoming sticky. The dough needs to rest in the refrigerator so the butter can firm up again and the gluten can relax.
- Caramelize aromatics:
- Gently cook garlic cloves in olive oil until they just begin to brown before adding onions. The slow cooking process takes patience but transforms sharp raw onions into sweet, jammy deliciousness that forms the flavor foundation of your crostata. This step cannot be rushed if you want that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Prepare potatoes:
- Cook potato slices with water and salt in the same pan you used for onions, capturing all those delicious flavors. The covered cooking method allows potatoes to steam to perfect tenderness without falling apart, while finishing uncovered ensures no excess moisture remains that could make your crust soggy.
- Cook chard:
- Start with the sliced stems which need more time to soften than the delicate leaves. Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that balances the earthiness of the greens. Cook just until the leaves wilt but still maintain vibrant color for best presentation and texture.
- Create garlic goat cheese:
- Mash the softened garlic cloves you reserved from cooking and blend thoroughly with room temperature goat cheese. This creates a creamy, aromatic spread that adds incredible depth to each bite of the finished crostata.
- Assemble and bake:
- Roll dough into a rustic circle and layer ingredients systematically, starting with cheese then alternating potatoes and greens. The pleated crust edge creates the signature rustic look while holding in all the delicious filling. Brushing with egg ensures a golden, shiny crust.
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My favorite moment with this recipe came during a summer dinner when my garden produced an abundance of Swiss chard. My skeptical teenager took one bite and declared it "surprisingly awesome" before requesting seconds. Sometimes beautiful food can bridge even the pickiest palates!
Make-Ahead Tips
This crostata can be fully assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare through the assembly stage, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and add the final dollops of goat cheese. You may need to add 5-7 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Seasonal Variations
While Swiss chard creates a wonderful base, this recipe welcomes adaptation based on what looks best at your market. In spring, try tender asparagus and peas with fresh herbs. Summer calls for zucchini, eggplant, and fresh tomatoes patted dry before adding. Fall and winter versions shine with butternut squash, kale, or Brussels sprouts. The technique remains the same—just ensure vegetables are properly cooked to remove excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crostata warm or at room temperature alongside a bright, acidic salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete meal, add a protein component like a simple roasted chicken or poached eggs. A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes this humble vegetable tart feel like a special occasion meal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling for easier handling.
- → What can I substitute for swiss chard?
Spinach, kale, or collard greens would all work well as substitutes for swiss chard. Adjust cooking times accordingly as some greens may take less time to wilt than others.
- → Is there a substitute for goat cheese?
If you don't enjoy goat cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, or feta would all be good alternatives. Each will provide a different flavor profile but will work well with the other ingredients.
- → Can I make this crostata vegan?
Yes, use a vegan butter substitute in the crust, skip the egg wash (you can brush with olive oil instead), and replace the goat cheese with a vegan cream cheese or cashew cheese alternative.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover crostata covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the crust again.
- → Can I use all-purpose flour only instead of mixing with whole wheat?
Yes, you can use 1½ cups of all-purpose flour if you don't have whole wheat flour. The texture will be slightly lighter and less nutty in flavor.