MUSSEL, BACON & BRIE TARTLETS

Mussel, bacon & brie tartlets image

These rich tartlets, made with parmesan pastry, make a glamorous dinner party starter - perfect for Christmas or New Year

Provided by Nick Nairn

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

140g butter
225g plain flour
50g freshly grated parmesan
1medium egg , beaten with 1 tbsp milk
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion , finely chopped
2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
100g dry cure streaky bacon or pancetta, cubed
4medium eggs
284ml pot whipping or double cream
3 tbsp snipped chives
500g frozen cooked shelled mussels , thawed and drained, or 2kg/4lb 8oz fresh mussels
200g ripe brie , rind removed and cubed
200g mixed salad leaves , to serve
2-3 tbsp bought or homemade vinaigrette , to serve

Steps:

Rub the butter, flour and parmesan together in a bowl until the mixture has the consistency of fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg mix and quickly bring it all together into a dough. Knead lightly a few times with floured hands until smooth. Shape into a flat ball, cover in cling film and chill for at least 1 hr.
Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Roll the pastry out to the thickness of a £1 coin and line eight 10cm x 3cm tartlet tins. Fill with greaseproof paper and baking beans, and bake for 7-10 mins until the pastry feels dry. Remove beans and paper, then bake for 2-3 mins, until lightly golden. Leave to cool.
Reduce oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the onion for 3 mins until softened, but not coloured. Add the garlic and bacon, and cook for 2-3 mins. Allow to cool slightly. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and cream with the chives, then fold in the onion, bacon and mussels. Season to taste. Set the cases on a baking sheet. Spoon the mix in and scatter the brie over the top, pushing into the mix here and there. Bake for 12-15 mins until the filling is just firm and golden. Serve warm with dressed leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 692 calories, Fat 54 grams fat, SaturatedFat 28 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 26 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 27 grams protein, Sodium 1.85 milligram of sodium