Rustic Mushroom Tart

Don’t let phyllo dough’s fussy reputation put you off: our method of brushing olive oil and sprinkling breadcrumbs between the layers makes this tart actually quite simple to assemble, and helps keep it healthy. It can be served as a main course or cut into smaller pieces and enjoyed as an appetizer. Thaw frozen phyllo in its package at room temperature for 2 hours or in refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. EatingWell Magazine, June 2007. Always remembering to keep it covered with a damp cloth towel.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1⁄2 cup  soft fresh goat cheese (2 ounces)
• 2  teaspoons  chopped fresh rosemary
•  fresh ground pepper
•  crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 4  cups  mixed  wild mushrooms, coarsely chopped (we used button mushrooms, personal preference)
• 1  large leek, white part only, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced and thoroughly washed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup white wine
•  thawed phyllo dough (10 sheets 14x18-inch or 20 sheets 9x14-inch phyllo dough)
• 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup  plain breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Combine ricotta, goat cheese, rosemary and peppers in a medium bowl; set aside.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add mushrooms, leek and salt and cook, stirring, until the leek starts to soften and the mushrooms release their juices, about 3 minutes.
4. Pour in wine and simmer until the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes & set aside.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F
6. Line a large baking sheet (approximately 12 by 17 inches) with parchment paper.
7. Lay one large sheet of phyllo on the prepared pan. (If using the smaller size, slightly overlap two sheets to form a rectangle.)
8. Keep the remaining phyllo covered with plastic wrap or wax paper and a damp kitchen towel.
9. Lightly coat the phyllo with oil using a pastry brush.
10. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon breadcrumbs.
11. Repeat this step, layering the remaining phyllo on top.
12. Carefully roll about 3/4 inch of each side toward the center to form the outer rim of the tart.
13. Spread the reserved cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo.
14. Top with the reserved mushroom mixture.
15. Bake the tart until the crust is brown and crispy, 25 to 30 minutes.
16. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
17. To serve, lift the parchment paper and slide the tart onto a cutting board or large platter & serve warm.
18. Also serve a salad of baby greens, carrots, and radishes with a vinaigrette -- warm bread, lathered with butter & a nice fruity wine!