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Golden Pumpkin, Wilted Spinach & Gorgonzola Tarts

This is autumn, distilled into something quietly elegant—soft, caramelised pumpkin lending gentle sweetness, balanced by the deep, verdant note of wilted spinach, all held within a delicate, buttery pastry that yields with ease. A light savoury custard of cream, eggs, and a measured touch of Parmesan binds the filling without weight, baking into a smooth, cohesive whole, while pockets of Gorgonzola melt into a creamy, tangy richness that lifts every bite. Composed yet generous, it’s as suited to a relaxed supper with a crisp salad and something chilled as it is to smaller, more considered servings—seasonal ingredients, simply handled, coming together in a way that feels both comforting and quietly refined.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Ingredients
  

For the pastry
  • Plain flour
  • Unsalted butter well chilled and cut into small pieces
  • A pinch of flaky sea salt
For the filling
  • Pumpkin or squash peeled and cut into fine slices
  • A drizzle of good olive oil
  • Fresh spinach coarse stalks removed
  • 2 large eggs plus 1 extra yolk for richness
  • Double cream
  • Parmesan finely grated
  • A light grating of fresh nutmeg
  • Gorgonzola broken into soft pieces
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Prepare the pastry
  1. Rub the flour and chilled butter together with a pinch of salt until the texture turns fine and sandy. Add a little cold water, just enough to bring it together into a soft dough. Shape gently, wrap, and chill until firm and well rested.
Roast the pumpkin
  1. Lightly coat the pumpkin slices with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer. Roast until tender, with lightly caramelised edges, then set aside to cool.
Wilt the spinach
  1. Place the spinach into a warm pan and allow it to collapse in its own steam. Once softened, drain well and press out any excess moisture until dry and concentrated in flavour.
Whisk the custard
  1. Combine the eggs, extra yolk, cream, Parmesan, and a fine grating of nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and cohesive, seasoning lightly to taste.
Line and blind-bake
  1. Roll the pastry thinly and line six tart tins. Chill briefly to help it hold its shape, then blind-bake until lightly golden and set.
Build the filling
  1. Divide the spinach evenly between the cases, seasoning gently. Layer over the roasted pumpkin, then scatter with small, delicate pieces of Gorgonzola.
Bake the tarts
  1. Pour the custard carefully into each tart and finish with freshly ground black pepper. Bake until just set, with a soft centre and a lightly golden surface.
Rest and serve
  1. Allow the tarts to rest briefly before serving, giving the custard time to settle and the flavours to fully develop.