Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium carrots
- 1 medium white onion
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 red bell pepper
Herbs and Spices
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or dried rosemary)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of nutmeg
Other Ingredients
- ⅓ cup chia seeds
- 8 ounces vegan mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 Easy Vegan Empanadas Dough (enough for one 8-inch tart crust)
- 2 tablespoons oats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and allow it to preheat for 10 minutes to ensure proper baking temperature for the tart.
- Prepare the chia egg: Soak ⅓ cup of chia seeds in 1 cup of warm water and let them absorb the liquid for 10 minutes until gelatinous to act as a binder.
- Prepare the crust: Lightly oil an 8-inch pan, lay the vegan empanada dough evenly across it, and pinch the edges with a fork to seal.
- Shred the carrots: Peel and finely shred the 4 medium carrots to create the vegetable filling base.
- Sauté vegetables: In a pan, stir-fry diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and diced red bell pepper over medium heat. Add a little water if needed to prevent sticking and to soften the vegetables.
- Add shredded carrots and spices: Mix in the shredded carrots along with dried thyme (or rosemary), oregano, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook until vegetables are tender and well combined.
- Cool and drain: Remove the vegetable mixture from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy filling.
- Mix cheese and chia egg: Combine the cooled vegetable mixture with cubed vegan mozzarella cheese and the prepared chia egg to bind the filling.
- Add oats to crust: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of oats evenly on the prepared crust to add texture and absorb moisture.
- Assemble the tart: Pour the vegetable and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared oat-lined crust.
- Bake the tart: Place the tart in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is set.
- Rest before serving: Allow the tart to cool and settle for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to enhance flavors and texture.
Notes
- Soaking chia seeds creates a vegan egg substitute that helps bind the filling.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, use vegan mozzarella cheese made from plant-based ingredients.
- Adding oats to the crust helps absorb excess moisture from the vegetable filling.
- Adjust herbs according to taste; rosemary can be used instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Serve the tart warm or at room temperature for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan