Veggie Pearl Millet Tart | Veggie Bajra Tart

The tart is a baked dish which consists of a filling either sweet or savory on top of a pastry base. Basically tarts have an open top, not covered by pastry. The pastry used for tart is usually shortcrust pastry which does not puff up during baking and always maintains a ‘half-fat-to-flour’ ratio. Fat (butter, preferably cold) is rubbed with flour to create a loose mixture (like bread crumbs), then bound using a small amount of cold water, rolled out, finally shaped and placed to create the bottom of tart. The butter is employed to give the pastry a rich flavor.

Originally tarts are served as savory type with meat fillings. Modern tarts are mainly fruit-based, often with custard. Here I have come up with a healthy vegetarian version of tart as ‘Veggie Bajra Tart’. Healthy tart is this since only whole wheat flour is used along with bajra or pearl millet flour. Pearl millet or bajra is the most widely grown type of millet. India is the largest producer of pearl millet where Rajasthan is the highest pearl millet producing state in India. Some health benefits of bajra or pearl millet are :

• Bajra is a starch-rich grain, but the starch in bajra takes longer time to break down thus helping in weight loss as well. 

• It also helps in regulating blood sugar levels and is a good option for diabetics. 

• Bajra has also been known for its  cancer-protecting and cholesterol-lowering properties.

Whole Pearl millet / bajra can be used to make khichdi. Pearl millet flour can be used to make roti, dosa, also for baking cakes, tarts etc. 

The theme for 108th Foodie Monday Blog Hop is ‘Millet’. So I have contributed these healthy veggie bajra or pearl millet tart for the theme. These gorgeous, cheese and spicy tartlets or mini tarts will be a big hit at parties. Also since these are healthy, so can be a best option for kids snacks as well. I have opted for only vegetables here, but any choice of meat can be used as filling too. So below is the details method of preparation of these healthy veggie bajra or pearl millet tarts.

Preparation Time : 25 mins | Freezing Time : 30 mins | Cooking Time : 40 mins 

Ingredients :        

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Method :

1. Preheat the oven at 150 degree C. 
2. Grease tart molds with oil and keep aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, sift bajra flour, wheat flour, sugar and salt all together. 
4. Add the cubes of cold butter and rub with fingertips until the mixture resembles bread crumbs.
5. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp cold water and 1 tsp baking powder till well incorporated.
6. Add this wet mixture to dry mixture and combine well to form a dough. It must be a firm dough.
7. Chill the dough by wrapping in a cling film for at least 30 minutes.
8. After 30 minutes, make small balls from the dough and roll it out to about 1/4th inch height and put it in the tart mold. 
9. Press with fingers gently to ensure that the dough evenly covers the mold.
10. Prick the base of the dough with a fork and bake at 150 degree C for 10 minutes. 
11. Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan.
12. Add finely chopped red, yellow, green bell peppers and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
13. Next add crumbled paneer, chopped spinach and give a quick stir.
14. Add black pepper powder, oregano, chili flakes and salt.
15. Mix well and cook for about 1 minute.
16. Allow the veggie mixture to cool down completely.
17. Finally fold in cream cheese, mozzarella cheese with cooled veggie mixture. Filling is ready.
18. By the time, the tart base must be golden and crisp.
19. Take out from oven and fill each tart base with veggie filling.
20. Grate some mozzarella cheese on top of each tart, sprinkle some chili flakes if desire.
21. Bake again for 8-10 minutes.
22. Serve these veggie pearl millet hot !

Notes :

• The tart always must be flaky. So it is very important to use chilled butter, rest other ingredients can be at room temperature.
• Any other vegetables or non-vegetables can be used as filling.