Winter Vegetable Buckwheat Crostata with Cheddar & Honey Recipe

Rustic Winter Vegetable Buckwheat Crostata Recipe with Cheddar & Honey

Winter vegetable buckwheat crostata combines rustic charm with unexpected flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Hearty seasonal produce meets nutty buckwheat in a delightful pastry canvas.

Crisp root vegetables nestle into a golden, flaky crust that hints at comforting meals.

Melted cheddar adds rich depth while a whisper of honey brings subtle sweetness.

Sharp ingredients intertwine with mellow undertones, creating a sophisticated yet approachable dish.

Farmer’s market finds transform into an elegant meal that feels both familiar and surprising.

Come savor this innovative twist on traditional tarts that will make your dinner table sing.

Buckwheat Crostata That’s Savory Sweet And Seasonal

  • Elevate Home Cooking: Create a gourmet-style dish with simple techniques that transform winter vegetables into an elegant, rustic meal.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare the dough ahead of time and assemble the crostata in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious, nutritious dinners.
  • Versatile Vegetable Showcase: Highlight seasonal produce like fennel, leeks, and chard in a flexible recipe that allows easy substitutions based on what's available in your kitchen.
  • Flavor Complexity Made Easy: Combine sweet honey, tangy lemon, earthy buckwheat, and sharp cheddar to create a multi-layered taste experience without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Crostata Crust and Filling for Buckwheat Veggie Tart

Flour Group:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Buckwheat Flour: Key ingredients forming the base of the rustic pastry dough, creating a nutty and complex flavor profile.
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds texture and a subtle nutty crunch to the crostata's crust.
Vegetable Group:
  • Fennel, Leeks, Chard: Seasonal winter vegetables providing depth, sweetness, and earthy flavors.
  • Lemon: Brightens the vegetables and adds a fresh, tangy dimension.
Dairy and Seasoning Group:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, rich cheese that melts beautifully and enhances the savory profile.
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky, tender texture in the pastry dough.
  • Oregano: Adds an herbal, aromatic note to both dough and honey drizzle.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Binding and Finishing Group:
  • Egg: Used for brushing the crust to create a golden, glossy exterior.
  • Honey: Provides a sweet, glossy finish and complements the savory vegetables.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables, adding richness and preventing sticking.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Adds a final seasoning touch and textural contrast.

Winter Vegetable Buckwheat Crostata with Cheddar & Honey – Baking Steps

Step 1: Create Buckwheat Pastry Dough

Grab your food processor and combine all-purpose flour, buckwheat flour, and salt.

Drop in cold butter and oregano, then pulse until the mixture looks like rough pebbles.

While the machine runs, slowly stream in cold water until the dough starts clumping together.

Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic, and let it chill in the refrigerator for 45 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Colorful Winter Vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium flame and coat with olive oil.

Add fennel with a pinch of salt, cooking and stirring for 6-8 minutes until soft and caramelized.

Transfer to a separate plate.

In the same skillet, sauté:
  • Leeks with salt
  • Chard with salt and lemon juice

Each vegetable should be cooked separately and moved to the plate.

Step 3: Assemble Delicious Crostata

Warm the oven to 425°F.

Let the dough rest at room temperature briefly, then roll it out on a floured surface into a circular shape.

Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle half the cheddar across the dough, leaving a border.

Layer vegetables and remaining cheese on top.

Gently fold the dough edges over the filling, sealing any cracks.

Brush edges with beaten egg and scatter sesame seeds.

Step 4: Bake and Finish with Honey Drizzle

Bake the crostata for 35 minutes until the crust turns golden and crisp.

While baking, whisk together:
  • Honey
  • Oregano
  • Lemon juice
  • Sesame seeds

Once baked, slice the crostata and finish with the honey mixture and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Crostata Tips With Winter Veggie Balance

  • Refrigerate the buckwheat dough for at least 45 minutes to ensure a flaky, tender crust that won't shrink during baking.
  • Cook fennel and leeks slowly over medium heat to develop rich, sweet flavors without burning, creating depth in the crostata.
  • Wilt the chard quickly and drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy bottom crust, maintaining the pastry's crisp texture.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version of the crostata.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or goat cheese to create unique taste profiles while maintaining the dish's rustic charm.

Vegetable Buckwheat Crostata That Reheats for a Cozy Slice

  • Store leftover crostata slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping them crisp and fresh.
  • Warm individual slices at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore the crust's crispiness and revive the melted cheese's gooey texture.
  • Quickly reheat slices for 30-45 seconds, but expect a softer crust compared to oven reheating.
  • Wrap entire crostata or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Rustic Flavors With Vegetable Crostata

  • Pair Robust Winter Salad: Create a crisp green salad with bitter arugula, toasted walnuts, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory crostata.
  • Complement with Herbal White Wine: Select a dry Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner with herbal notes that will enhance the oregano and winter vegetable flavors in the dish.
  • Match with Spicy Apple Chutney: Prepare a quick apple chutney with ginger and red pepper flakes to add a bright, zesty counterpoint to the creamy cheddar and earthy buckwheat crust.
  • Serve Alongside Citrus Sparkling Water: Pour a chilled sparkling water with fresh lemon or blood orange slices to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a refreshing contrast.

Winter Vegetable Buckwheat Crostata with Cheddar & Honey Interpretations

  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free buckwheat flour to create a celiac-friendly version of the crostata.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute butter with cold coconut oil, use plant-based cheddar cheese alternative, and replace egg wash with plant milk for brushing the crust edges.
  • Low-Carb Vegetable Swap: Replace buckwheat flour with almond flour and swap winter vegetables with lower-carb options like zucchini, cauliflower, and bell peppers to reduce overall carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast, and replace cheddar with cashew-based cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

FAQs

  • Is buckwheat flour necessary for this recipe?

Buckwheat flour adds a nutty, earthy flavor and unique texture to the crust. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with whole wheat flour, though the taste will be slightly different.

  • Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with gruyère, gouda, or parmesan. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the winter vegetables.

  • How do I know when the vegetables are properly caramelized?

The vegetables should look golden brown and soft, with slightly darkened edges. For fennel, this takes about 6-8 minutes of patient cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently.

  • What if my dough is too dry or crumbly?

If the dough isn’t coming together, add cold water one teaspoon at a time until it forms a cohesive ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the crust tough.

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Winter Vegetable Buckwheat Crostata with Cheddar & Honey Recipe

Winter Vegetable Buckwheat Crostata with Cheddar & Honey Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rustic winter vegetable buckwheat crostata with cheddar & honey brings seasonal comfort to your table. Hearty layers of roasted vegetables nestled in a flaky buckwheat crust invite you to savor the warmth of home-cooked goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Buckwheat Dough Ingredients:

Main Flour Components:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) buckwheat flour

Seasoning:

  • 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves

Fat Component:

  • 0.25 pounds (113 grams) salted butter, cold and cubed

Liquid Component:

  • 0.25 cup + 2 tablespoons cold water

Crostata Filling Ingredients:

Vegetables:

  • 1 fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 leek, thinly sliced
  • 1 bunch red chard, stemmed and roughly chopped (about 6 cups)

Cheese and Egg:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

Seasonings and Garnishes:

  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
  • Flaky sea salt, for serving

Instructions

  1. Construct the buckwheat pastry by combining flour varieties and salt in a food processor, creating a crumbly texture through intermittent pulsing.
  2. Incorporate chilled butter and fragrant oregano into the mixture, processing until the consistency resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  3. Gradually introduce cold water while the processor runs, allowing the dough to form and separate from the container’s sides.
  4. Shape the dough into a compact disk, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for optimal resting, minimum 45 minutes.
  5. Warm a large skillet and coat with olive oil, preparing to caramelize vegetables with gentle heat and precise seasoning.
  6. Sauté fennel with a delicate salt sprinkle, stirring frequently until soft and golden, then transfer to a separate plate.
  7. Follow similar technique with leeks, creating translucent and tender vegetable pieces in the same skillet.
  8. Quickly wilt chard with a touch of lemon juice, maintaining its vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
  9. Preheat the oven to a high temperature, ensuring a crisp pastry exterior.
  10. Remove chilled dough, allowing slight warming for easier manipulation, then roll into a rustic circular shape.
  11. Transfer the delicate pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating an elegant foundation.
  12. Distribute cheddar cheese strategically, leaving a border for elegant folding.
  13. Layer prepared vegetables and remaining cheese, creating a visually appealing and flavorful composition.
  14. Carefully fold pastry edges, sealing any potential cracks with gentle pressure.
  15. Brush the exterior with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds for enhanced texture and appearance.
  16. Bake until the crust achieves a golden, crisp perfection.
  17. Craft a complementary honey drizzle by combining oregano, lemon juice, and additional sesame seeds.
  18. Slice the crostata into generous portions, garnishing with the aromatic honey mixture and a refined sea salt sprinkle.

Notes

  • Switch out buckwheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour to create a celiac-friendly version.
  • Experiment with seasonal vegetables like roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for varied textures and flavors.
  • Balance the rich, savory filling by selecting sharp, aged cheddar that provides a robust tangy counterpoint to the caramelized vegetables.
  • Consider making the dough ahead and freezing for up to a month, allowing quick preparation during busy weeknights or unexpected gatherings.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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