Name: Scarpaccia (Italian Zucchini Tart)
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 192 min
Ingredients: 500 g zucchini (about 3 to 4 small to medium); 170 g onion (about 1 medium); 1 teaspoon table salt (divided); 25 g olive oil (divided); 300 g water (as needed to reach total measurement); 120 g all-purpose flour (King Arthur Unbleached); 156 g yellow cornmeal; 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated); 28 g cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon table salt (remaining)

Introduction to Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart

What is Scarpaccia and why should you try it?

Scarpaccia, a delightful Italian zucchini tart, offers a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal produce while indulging in comforting flavors. Originating from the coastal regions of Italy, this dish combines thinly sliced zucchini and onions with a slightly crispy, almost cornbread-like batter—making it the perfect balance of savory and satisfying.

But why should you give Scarpaccia a try? For starters, it's an incredible crowd-pleaser, ideal for gatherings, picnics, or even as a light main course. It’s simple to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste.

If you love dishes that are not only easy to whip up but also impressive, Scarpaccia is for you! Picture this: a golden-brown, crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful filling that warms the soul and fills the belly—what’s not to love?

Ready to dive into making this scrumptious Italian delight? Let’s gather our ingredients and start cooking!

Ingredients for Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart

Creating a scrumptious Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart is all about choosing the right ingredients. Your tart’s flavor and texture rely heavily on fresh vegetables and a few basic pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

Key ingredients for a delicious tart

Zucchini: Aim for 3 to 4 small to medium zucchini (about 500g). Fresh, firm zucchini will provide a fantastic texture.
Onion: One medium onion (about 170g) adds a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor.
Salt: You’ll use 1 ¼ teaspoons of table salt, which is essential for enhancing the flavors.
Olive Oil: Use two tablespoons (25g) of olive oil—this adds richness and helps with the roasting process.
Flour and Cornmeal: For the base, you’ll need a cup of unbleached all-purpose flour and a cup of yellow cornmeal, which gives that deliciously rustic crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup (50g) of grated Parmesan brings a nutty, savory kick that elevates the tart.
Cornstarch: A quarter cup (28g) is necessary for binding the mixture.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika give the tart its signature flavor profile.

These ingredients combine beautifully to create a savory dish that's perfect for any occasion! If you're curious about the best zucchini varieties to use, check out this guide on selecting zucchini. Happy baking!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart

Baking a Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart is an enjoyable culinary adventure, bursting with flavors and a great way to use fresh zucchini. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious tart that’s sure to impress friends and family!

Slice the zucchini and onion

Start by using a mandolin or a sharp knife to slice the zucchini and onion thinly. The goal is to make slices that are as uniform as possible so they cook evenly. Once sliced, place the vegetables in a medium bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of table salt. Use your hands to massage the salt into the vegetables, which helps to draw out moisture.

Drain excess water

Next, transfer your salted zucchini and onion mixture to a fine mesh sieve over a bowl. To compact the vegetables, place a small plate on top and weight it down with something heavy—like a can of tomatoes. Allow them to drain for at least one hour, or up to three hours, to remove excess water. Pro tip: Save the drained liquid; it’ll come in handy later!

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F with a rack in the center. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the parchment, then spread it evenly—make sure to coat the sides as well. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect tart exterior.

Mix the dry ingredients together

In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, cornmeal, grated Parmesan, cornstarch, and an array of spices (including garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika). Make sure to distribute everything evenly to allow for the best flavor throughout your Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart.

Combine wet ingredients with the dry mixture

Next, measure the drained liquid from your veggies. Add enough water to make a total of 1 ¼ cups plus 1 tablespoon. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Then, fold in your sliced vegetables, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Add the vegetables and spread in the pan

Transfer your colorful mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Use wet hands to spread it as evenly as possible, pushing it all the way to the edges. Remember, the mixture will be quite thin, but that’s perfectly fine—this thickness is what gives Scarpaccia its signature texture!

Bake until golden brown

Pop your baking sheet into the oven and let it bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The wonderful aromas of baking zucchini and spices will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!

Crisp up the tart

Once baked, carefully invert the Scarpaccia onto a metal cooling rack. Peel away the parchment and return it to the oven, now upside-down, for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until deeply colored and crisp. This step ensures a delightful crunch, rounding out the dish nicely.

After a brief cooling period, flip it right-side up, slice into pieces, and serve warm for the best experience. Enjoy your homemade Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart!

Cooking with zucchini can be a fun way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. For additional tips on baking with zucchini, check out this helpful article on King Arthur Baking.

Variations of Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart

Add Different Vegetables

One wonderful aspect of the Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart is its versatility. Feel free to jazz it up by incorporating other vegetables! Try adding sweet bell peppers, tender spinach, or even antioxidant-rich kale. You can also explore root vegetables like carrots and beets for added color and flavor. Each addition can transform the dish and cater to your personal preferences. Just remember to keep the balance of moisture for that perfect texture!

Experiment with Cheeses

Another fun way to personalize your Scarpaccia is by experimenting with different cheeses. While the classic version calls for Parmesan, you could try feta or ricotta for a creamier texture and tangy flavor. Or go bold with goat cheese for a rich taste that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs. Play around to find your perfect blend, and don't forget to sprinkle some grated cheese on top for a delightful cheesy crust!

For more insights on ingredient substitutions, check out this guide on the King Arthur Baking blog.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart

Best Practices for Success

Creating a delicious Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart is all about balancing flavor and texture, and here are some tips to make it shine:

Slice Uniformly: Use a mandolin or sharp knife to slice your zucchini and onion as thinly as possible. This promotes even cooking and prevents any soggy spots.
Drain Well: It’s essential to salt and drain the vegetables. Doing so enhances their flavor and prevents excess moisture from making your tart soggy.
Oven Preheat: Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure your tart puffs up perfectly and achieves that golden-brown finish.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add herbs or spices like thyme or oregano to match your personal taste.

Remember, a well-made Scarpaccia feels rustic yet sophisticated—embrace the imperfections! For more tips, check out sources like Serious Eats for interesting variations.

Serving Suggestions for Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart

Ideal Accompaniments and Pairings

When serving your Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart, consider pairing it with simple, fresh ingredients that enhance its flavors. Here are some delightful options:

Salad: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette perfectly complements the tart’s richness. Try adding slices of avocado or toasted nuts for extra texture.
Protein Boost: Serve alongside grilled chicken ham or turkey bacon for a satisfying meal. They add a savory touch that balances the tart’s subtle sweetness.
Herb Dip: A dollop of creamy tzatziki or herbed yogurt sauce can elevate your scarpaccia experience, bringing a refreshing contrast to its baked goodness.

Why not experiment with these pairings and make it your own? Think about what flavors excite you, and enjoy your culinary adventure!

Time Breakdown for Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart

Preparation Time

Getting everything prepped for your Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart takes about 15-20 minutes. This includes slicing the zucchini and onion—feel free to use a mandolin for an even cut!

Baking Time

Once your tart is ready for the oven, it will need about 38-47 minutes to bake to golden perfection, allowing all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully.

Total Time

In total, factoring in preparation and baking, you're looking at approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Perfect for a relaxed weekend cooking adventure!

For more tips on baking with zucchini, check out this insightful blog post.

Nutritional Facts for Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart

Calories

Each serving of Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart contains approximately 175 calories, making it a tasty yet light option for any meal.

Protein

With around 6 grams of protein per serving, this tart offers a satisfying boost to your daily intake, thanks to the addition of Parmesan cheese and cornmeal.

Sodium

This dish contains about 200 milligrams of sodium per serving, allowing you to enjoy that incredible flavor without going overboard on salt. For even healthier preparation, consider reducing the amount of salt used based on your dietary needs.

For a deeper dive into nutrition, visit NutritionData or check out the USDA FoodData Central for detailed information on the ingredients used in this delicious tart!

FAQs about Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart

Can I use other types of squash?

Absolutely! While traditional Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart calls for zucchini, you can experiment with other summer squash varieties like yellow squash or even pattypan squash. Just remember that different squashes may vary in moisture content, so keep an eye on how long you drain them before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

If you find yourself with leftover Scarpaccia, just place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can stay fresh for a few days! If you’d like to enjoy it later, consider refrigerating it, but be aware that refrigeration might alter the texture slightly.

Is Scarpaccia suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart! Just slice it into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste. A fabulous option for meal prep!

For more tips and variations, check out this great zucchini resource to inspire your cooking adventure!

Conclusion on Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart

The Scarpaccia Italian Zucchini Tart is a delightful way to celebrate fresh summer produce, offering a unique twist on traditional tarts. Perfect as an appetizer or a light main dish, it’s both simple to prepare and impressively delicious. Share it with friends, and savor every bite!

For a deeper dive into similar recipes, consider checking out Baking with Zucchini for tips and inspiration. Enjoy your baking journey!