Stout Braised Kale and Cabbage Tartlets

Ah, St. Patrick’s Day – a holiday synonymous with vibrant green, overflowing joy, and a spirit of camaraderie that transforms the world, if only for a day, into honorary Irish descendants. It’s a day when the ordinary rules of engagement are playfully suspended; where a splash of emerald green on your attire can save you from a friendly pinch, and the convivial atmosphere encourages a festive pint even before noon. Could there possibly be a more enchanting and spirited celebration?

We think not. St. Patrick’s Day transcends mere festivity; it’s a cultural embrace, a global invitation to partake in the infectious charm of Irish heritage. From grand parades that paint city streets green to intimate gatherings filled with laughter and traditional music, the day is a testament to the enduring appeal of Irish culture.

The Culinary Heart of St. Patrick’s Day: Beyond Green Beer

While the allure of green beer and playful “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” shirts is undeniable, for many, the true soul of St. Patrick’s Day lies in its food. As aficionados of delightful dishes, we believe the gastronomic traditions associated with this holiday offer a depth of flavor and comfort that truly captures its essence. It’s not just about the novelty; it’s about a rich tapestry of tastes that bring warmth and cheer to the celebration.

Take, for instance, the classic pairing of corned beef and cabbage – the epitome of Irish comfort food. This hearty dish, with its tender, flavorful meat and perfectly cooked vegetables, speaks volumes about tradition and nourishing sustenance. Or consider the rustic charm of traditional Irish soda bread, a simple yet profoundly satisfying loaf that, surprisingly, some have yet to experience! If you haven’t, you’re missing out on a humble masterpiece that pairs wonderfully with everything from stews to a slather of good butter. And let’s not overlook the playful indulgence of Guinness floats – an ingenious adult milkshake that perfectly blends the creamy richness of stout with the sweet delight of ice cream. Yes, please!

A Modern Twist on Irish Flavors: The Genesis of Our Guinness Tart

The inspiration for truly unique St. Patrick’s Day fare often strikes in the most unexpected ways. Last week, while brainstorming how to infuse the distinctive notes of Guinness stout into a savory dish, a craving for cabbage inexplicably emerged. This seemingly random culinary connection soon led to a desire for some form of comforting bread. It felt as if my faint Irish heritage, perhaps a mere one-twentieth, was earnestly trying to communicate, guiding my culinary instincts.

The question became: what delightful creation could marry these distinct cravings? The culinary quest began, involving hours of sifting through countless recipes on renowned food networks and vibrant food blogs. The search was almost ravenous, leading to a delightful discovery: a deconstructed tart recipe from the brilliant Giada De Laurentiis. Her concept was simple yet revolutionary: take the fundamental principles of a tart, but shed the formality. Instead of a traditional tart pan and intricate presentation, she proposed a straightforward, grilled crust topped with a luscious filling. Eureka!

Inspired by Giada’s innovative approach, we adapted her basic structure to weave in a distinct St. Patrick’s Day flair. The goal was to create a dish that not only paid homage to Irish ingredients but also presented them in a fresh, exciting way.

• Green kale, check.
• Hearty cabbage, check.
• Rich, malty Guinness, check and double-check!

The beauty of this resulting dish lies in its remarkable versatility. It can grace your table as an elegant main course for a festive St. Patrick’s Day brunch, or it can be served as sophisticated individual appetizers for a larger gathering. And if that doesn’t pique your interest, consider this: the tart offers an exquisite balance of sweet and savory notes. The creamy, flavorful cheese layer acts as the unifying element, bringing all the ingredients together in a harmonious blend, much like the inherent magic of St. Patrick’s Day itself.

Why These Tarts Are Your St. Paddy’s Day Must-Have

These individual Kale, Cabbage, and Guinness Tarts are more than just a recipe; they are an experience. They offer a refreshing departure from the usual heavy St. Patrick’s Day fare, providing a lighter yet incredibly flavorful option. Imagine serving these vibrant tarts, each a perfectly portioned culinary delight, to your guests. Their unique blend of earthy kale, tender cabbage, and the deep, roasted notes of Guinness, all bound by a creamy, tangy cheese layer, is sure to impress. It’s a dish that embodies festive cheer and gourmet sophistication.

Moreover, the convenience of individual tarts cannot be overstated. They are easy to prepare, serve, and enjoy, making them ideal for both casual family meals and more elaborate celebrations. The grilling of the crust adds a subtle smokiness and a delightful texture, elevating the entire dish. This is comfort food reimagined for the modern palate, while still honoring the spirit of Irish ingredients.

As the holiday approaches, we encourage you to embrace the joy, don your greenest attire, and most importantly, savor the incredible flavors St. Patrick’s Day has to offer. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to locate that cherished “Kiss Me I’m a Wildcat” t-shirt. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all!

Individual Kale, Cabbage and Guinness Tarts

(Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis’ Kale, Mushroom, and Cranberry Tart)

Recipe Details:

• Serves: 4
• Prep Time: 1 hour (includes dough rest)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ⅓ cup water (plus more if needed)

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1 medium leek, white and pale green parts only, halved lengthwise, rinsed thoroughly, and thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• One 8-ounce bunch kale, stemmed and coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup Guinness stout

For the Cheese Layer:

• ⅔ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

For the Crust:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and baking soda. Mix on low speed until well combined.
2. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed for about 2 minutes, until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. With the machine running on low, slowly add ⅓ cup of water. Continue mixing until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead gently for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest.
6. While the dough is chilling, place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill.
7. Once rested, remove the dough from the refrigerator and cut it into four equal quarters.
8. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out one quarter of the dough into a ¼-inch-thick circle. Lightly brush the top surface with olive oil.
9. Carefully place the dough circle onto the hot grill or grill pan. Grill for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until lightly golden brown and cooked through.
10. Transfer the grilled crust to a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat this process with the remaining dough quarters.

For the Filling:

1. In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and shimmering.
2. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, leeks, shallot, and shredded purple cabbage to the skillet. Season with 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
3. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened considerably and are fragrant.
4. Add the coarsely chopped kale to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes, until the kale has wilted and become tender.
5. Pour in the ¼ cup of Guinness stout. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, incorporating them into the filling for added flavor.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove from heat and set aside.

For the Cheese Layer:

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the crumbled gorgonzola cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, honey, and fresh lemon juice.
2. Add ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and ⅛ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
3. Process the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Assembly and Serving:

Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread an even layer of the creamy cheese mixture over each individual grilled crust. Generously spoon the prepared vegetable and Guinness filling on top of the cheese layer. Serve these delightful tarts immediately, ideally alongside a generous, cold glass of Guinness stout to complete the authentic Irish-inspired experience. These tarts are a celebration of flavor, perfect for sharing the joy of St. Patrick’s Day.

Conclusion: Elevate your dining experience this St. Patrick’s Day with these exquisite Individual Kale, Cabbage, and Guinness Tarts. This unique twist on savory tarts promises to delight your taste buds with its harmonious blend of traditional Irish ingredients and gourmet flair. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or seeking a sophisticated appetizer, these tarts offer an unforgettable culinary journey. For more inspiring bistro-style cooking ideas that combine elegance with hearty flavors, visit The Curious Plate’s Bistro Cooking collection and continue your culinary exploration.