Tourte de Blettes

Name: Tourte de Blettes
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Monegasque
Ingredients: 500g Swiss chard leaves, stems removed; 2 apples, peeled and diced; 60g raisins; 50g pine nuts; 80g sugar; 2 eggs; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp dark rum; 400g shortcrust pastry; 50g Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated; Pinch of salt; Powdered sugar for dusting

Torta de Blea (TOORT deh BLEHT)

Swiss Chard Pie

⏱ Prep Time 45 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 340 kcal

A uniquely Monegasque sweet-savory pie filled with Swiss chard, pine nuts, raisins, and apples, encased in a tender pastry crust.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 7.0g

Carbs 42.0g

Fat 16.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs ⚠ tree nuts

Equipment Needed

pie dish rolling pin mixing bowl pastry brush

Presentation Guide

Vessel: ceramic pie dish

Garnishes: powdered sugar, pine nuts

Accompaniments: espresso

Ingredients

500g Swiss chard leaves, stems removed
2 apples, peeled and diced
60g raisins
50g pine nuts
80g sugar
2 eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp dark rum
400g shortcrust pastry
50g Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1
Blanch Swiss chard 2 min, squeeze dry, and chop finely.
2
Mix chard with diced apples, raisins, pine nuts, sugar, 1 beaten egg, lemon zest, rum, and Parmigiano.
3
Roll out two-thirds of the pastry and line a buttered pie dish.
4
Pour in the filling, spreading evenly.
5
Roll out remaining pastry for the top, seal edges, and cut steam vents.
6
Brush with beaten egg. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40-45 min until golden. Dust with powdered sugar.

💡

Did You Know?

This sweet pie made with vegetables confounds visitors but is beloved in Monaco, where the combination of chard, fruit, and cheese is considered a masterpiece.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

pie dish
rolling pin
mixing bowl
pastry brush

Garnishing

powdered sugar, pine nuts

Accompaniments

espresso

The Story Behind Tourte de Blettes

Tourte de blettes is perhaps the most distinctly Monegasque dish, a medieval recipe that blends sweet and savory in a way that surprises modern palates. The combination of Swiss chard with apples, raisins, and pine nuts in a sweet pastry reflects the Arab-influenced Ligurian tradition of combining vegetables with dried fruits and nuts.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed dessert or afternoon snack 📜 Origins: Medieval era

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