Here is an unusual tart made with lots of olives and olive oil goodness and no butter. When I first came across this pastry recipe in a magazine I knew I had to try it. And I have improvised the filler by adding Sumac rubbed Chicken chunks. For those who aren't aware of Sumac, it is a widely used Middle eastern spice, pleasantly tart on its own and gives a nice bright red color to the dish its paired with. Topped with loads of tomatoes, Caramelized Lemon slices and Parmesan cheese and more olive oil.... its truly a burst of flavours, from Italian pastry to middle eastern Sumac, a pleasant fusion I say, or East meets West maybe...
A little insight on what Sumac is..
It is a spice usually used in middle eastern cuisine.The deep red berries are most often used ground into a powder. It has a slight tart lemony flavour, ideally sprinkled over grills, salads and dips.
Came across this article on Benefits of Sumac, take a look and be enlightened :)
1. Antioxidant effects
Studies show that sumac contain antioxidant effects. In one study, animals were given drinking water supplemented with small traces of sumac, and conclusions revealed that there were less corroded DNA bases, particularly in their colons and livers.
2. Treats respiratory problems
Sumac has long been used as a natural treatment for respiratory and chest problems, such as bronchitis, chest congestion, and cough. Only recently, studies pinpointed the components that contribute to its healing properties. It is high in volatile oil, including geraniol, borneo, carvacolo and thymol.
3. Boosts heart health
The concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and docosahexaenoic acid in heart, kidney and brain cell tissue was increased with supplementation of thyme. Other studies looking at effects of thyme on the brain cells found that it had significant changes in brain development of rats under study. However, research is still undergoing to determine if sumac has positive effects on the brain.
4. Aids in digestion
Sumac herb can also help in the treatment of common digestive disorders, including stomach upset, acid reflux, constipation, feverish symptoms, and irregular bowel movements. It is believed to contain both antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
5. Anti-inflammation properties
The herb has anti-inflammation effects and can help alleviate problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and skin diseases. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor if you are on medication in order to avert potential side effects.
Sumac may cause inflammation, redness and itching of the skin. Therefore, make sure you use caution when handling it.
Fresh flavors served!!
Ingredients
- For the tart:
- Self-raising flour -210 gms
- Cake flour- 60gms
- Salt- 1 tsp
- Cold Water-125 ml
- Olive oil- 125 ml
- Black olives- 4 tbsp (finely chopped)
- For the Topping:
- To marinate Chicken
- Boneless Chicken fillets (small)- 250 gms
- Sumac- 1 1/2 tsp
- Oyester sauce- 1tsp
- Black pepper- 1/2 tsp
- Ginger garlic paste- 1 tsp.
- Lemon- 3-4 round slices
- Olive oil- 1tsp
- For the Tomato topping:
- Tomatoes- 2(firm) sliced into roundrels
- Caster Sugar- a big pinch
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Parmesan cheese- 3 tbsp (grated) Plus extra to serve
- Fresh mint leaves to garnish
Directions
- 1Marinate the chicken with sumac, oyester sauce, black pepper, lemon slices and ginger garlic paste and salt(to taste)for 10 mins. In a pan, heat olive oil and fry the chicken fillets and lemon slices till cooked. Keep aside.
- 2Preheat the oven to 200 degree C. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours and salt.
- 3Whisk together the water and olive oil and pour into the flour, add the chopped olives. Using a wooden spoon, whisk until you have a dough, Don't knead the dough.
- 4On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough.
- 5Line the base of a greased 25 cm tart pan.
- 6Bake the Pastry blind(line with greaseproof paper and weigh it down with dried beans) in a preheated oven for 20 mins. Remove the paper and beans and return to the oven for a further 10 mins or till the crust appears to get a golden color in the sides.
- 7Sprinkle the tomatoes with sugar and season. In a pan add a tsp of olive oil, once its hot add the lemon slices, keep it for 5 mins and flip on other side, continue until lemon gets a caramelized layer.
- 8Take the pastry and arrange the chicken, lemon slices followed by tomato roundrels on top. Drizzle with a little oil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Return to oven for another 10 mins.Slice and serve with more parmesan cheese and mint leaves.
