Dina Nikolaou, a Greek chef and cookbook author, is famous for her delicious and creative Mediterranean-style dishes. One of her specialties is savory tarts – perfect for any occasion, from a fancy dinner party to a casual lunch.

Here are Dina Nikolaou’s secrets for making the perfect savory tart in 10 easy tips.

Tip #1: Choose the Right Crust

The secret to a great tart lies in its crust. There are many crust options available, but for a savory tart, Dina Nikolaou recommends using a shortcrust pastry.

This type of crust is easy to make from scratch, and it provides a delicious, buttery texture that complements the savory filling perfectly.

Before adding the filling, it’s important to blind bake the crust. Blind baking means partially baking the crust without the filling. This step ensures that the crust is fully cooked and won’t become soggy once the filling is added.

Dina Nikolaou recommends lining the crust with parchment paper or foil and then filling it with pie weights or dried beans to keep it from puffing up.

Tip #3: Use Quality Ingredients for the Filling

The quality of the ingredients you use for the filling will greatly affect the taste of your tart. Dina Nikolaou recommends using fresh, seasonal vegetables, high-quality cheese, and herbs and spices to add flavor.

She also suggests using a combination of ingredients for a well-rounded flavor profile.

Tip #4: Precook the Filling

Precooking the filling before adding it to the tart ensures that all the ingredients are fully cooked and flavors meld together. This step also prevents the filling from becoming too watery during baking.

Tip #5: Add a layer of Cheese

Cheese is a key ingredient in many of Dina Nikolaou’s savory tarts. She suggests adding a layer of cheese on top of the crust before adding the filling. This not only adds flavor but also protects the crust from becoming soggy from the filling.

Tip #6: Be Creative with Toppings

One of the joys of making a savory tart is the opportunity to get creative with toppings. Dina Nikolaou recommends using fresh herbs, chopped nuts, or sliced vegetables to add color and texture to the tart.

She also suggests drizzling olive oil or balsamic vinegar over the top for added flavor.

Tip #7: Don’t Overfill

It can be tempting to overfill the tart with delicious ingredients, but this can lead to a watery or collapsed tart. Dina Nikolaou suggests filling the tart about ¾ of the way to allow room for the filling to expand during baking.

Tip #8: Bake at the Right Temperature

The baking temperature is important for achieving the right texture and flavor in the tart. Dina Nikolaou recommends baking the tart at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

Tip #9: Allow to Cool Before Serving

It’s important to allow the tart to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice the tart without it falling apart.

Tip #10: Serve with a Side Salad

Dina Nikolaou suggests serving the savory tart with a side salad to balance the richness of the tart. A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement.