Tarte Montagnarde

An Introduction to Tarte Montagnarde

Tarte Montagnarde, a classic dish from the French Alps, embodies the rustic yet rich flavors of mountain cuisine. With roots stretching back to the pastoral traditions of the region, this savory tart is beloved for its combination of creamy cheese, earthy potatoes, and smoky bacon, all baked to perfection in a flaky pastry crust. Originally crafted as a hearty meal for farmers and shepherds during the cold months, Tarte Montagnarde has become a favorite in alpine bistros and family tables alike. Let's dive into the world of alpine culinary tradition with Tarte Montagnarde.

Ingredients

• Flour - 250 grams
• Butter - 125 grams, chilled and diced
• Cold Water - 50 ml
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Potatoes - 500 grams
• Reblochon Cheese - 200 grams
• Bacon - 150 grams
• Crème Fraîche - 200 ml
• Eggs - 2
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Nutmeg - a pinch

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Pastry

Start by creating the shortcrust pastry for your tart. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the diced butter and use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Pour in the cold water a little at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Potatoes and Bacon

While the pastry is resting, peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, until tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside. In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Tart

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove the pastry dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 23cm tart tin. Gently press the dough into the tin, trimming any excess. In a medium bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche, eggs, a pinch of nutmeg, and black pepper. Arrange the potato slices and bacon in the tart shell, then pour the egg mixture over them. Finally, slice the Reblochon Cheese and place it on top.

4. Bake to Perfection

Place the assembled tart into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. For precise baking times, you can use a cooking timer.

How to Enjoy Tarte Montagnarde

Once baked, let the tart cool for 5 minutes before serving. Tarte Montagnarde pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine from the Savoie region to complement its rich flavors. Enjoy it as a warming lunch or a comfort-filled dinner. Its flavors are deeply satisfying, making it a dish you will want to revisit time after time.