Delight your senses with these exquisite beetroot tarts, meticulously crafted with flaky filo pastry and generously filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, fresh chives, and a sprinkle of aromatic nigella seeds. These vibrant tarts offer a symphony of textures and flavors, making them a perfect versatile dish. Whether you’re looking for an elegant appetizer, a delightful crispy snack, or a light yet satisfying main course, these tarts are a brilliant choice. They are equally delicious served warm from the oven or cooled to room temperature, offering flexibility for any occasion.
Hello, wonderful readers!
I genuinely hope this month has greeted you with joy and inspiration, and that the beautiful spring energy of May is filling your days with the same warmth and renewed enthusiasm it brings to mine. Please bear with me as my posting schedule has been a little sporadic lately; life, in its beautiful unpredictability, sometimes demands our full attention, and priorities naturally shift. However, my passion for sharing delicious recipes and useful insights remains as strong as ever, and I’m thrilled to be back with a post that combines culinary delight with creative inspiration.
Embracing the Rustic Charm: A Journey Through Aesthetics and Aspirations
Long before I discovered my fervent passion for food photography and the art of capturing culinary stories, I was profoundly drawn to all things rustic. There’s an undeniable charm in the raw, authentic beauty of fatigued wooden tables and chairs, the subtle character of chipped paint on an old cupboard, or the timeless appeal of rusty baking trays, vintage cutlery, and classic ramekins. I dream of collecting them all! Ideally, I envision myself winning the lottery and acquiring one of those enchanting old barns or quaint farmhouses, complete with a small, sun-drenched green patch – I promise, I’m not greedy – where I could cultivate my own vibrant herbs. Such places hold so much character, so many untold stories, and they just… well, they speak to my soul in a way that modern minimalism rarely does.
To inhabit such a house is undoubtedly one of my grandest, long-term aspirations. But what about all those smaller, equally significant dreams and aspirations that fuel our daily lives and creative pursuits? They are, without question, incredibly important to me. These smaller ambitions are the very engines that keep me going, providing a profound sense of purpose and unwavering motivation. They are the reasons I persist, why I continually strive to develop myself and nurture my passions. And, believe it or not, one of my ‘smaller’ dreams, ever since embarking on my exciting adventure into the world of food photography, was to discover that elusive, perfect backdrop – a surface that could truly elevate my culinary creations and convey the rustic aesthetic I adore.
It might sound a tad trivial to some, I understand. But if you’re a burgeoning food blogger or an aspiring food photographer, you’ll know the challenge: finding that one exceptional board that perfectly complements your style and makes your food pop can be an incredibly tricky quest. It’s more than just a surface; it’s a critical element in crafting the visual narrative of your dish. That’s why I thought it might be incredibly beneficial to share a few tried-and-tested places where you can source fantastic backdrops, alongside some practical tips on how you can even create your own, transforming a simple idea into a stunning visual asset for your food photography.
Sourcing the Perfect Backdrop: From Budget-Friendly to Bespoke
Let’s dive into the world of food photography backdrops, starting with options that are both accessible and effective. If you’re working with a limited budget or are just beginning your journey in food photography, photo boards are an absolute game-changer. These ingenious small backdrops are specifically designed to mimic the appearance of real textures – think weathered wood, distressed concrete, or elegant marble – without the cost or bulk. While I haven’t personally used one extensively, I’ve observed countless food bloggers achieving truly remarkable results with photo boards. They offer incredible versatility and are easy to store. There are quite a few excellent online retailers where you can find these. Photoboards.org is one such resource, and I particularly appreciate how affordable many of their options are, making professional-looking photography accessible to everyone. They are an excellent starting point for any aspiring food photographer to experiment with different styles and textures without a significant financial commitment.
For those who have a bit more to invest or are ready to elevate their photography with genuinely unique, professional-grade surfaces, I cannot recommend Woodrow Studios highly enough. Their backdrops feature real, interesting textures and captivating colors that add an unparalleled depth to your images. The very background you see featured in today’s delicious beetroot tarts recipe comes directly from them, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my choice. It took me a considerable amount of time to find precisely what I was looking for – that perfect balance of rustic charm and subtle elegance – and when I finally discovered it, I decided to take the plunge and invest a little extra. It truly embodies that exact rustic feeling that so deeply attracts me, and I know it will be a cherished asset in my photography toolkit for many years to come, making it a truly worthwhile investment in my creative process.
Are you eager to discover even more fantastic places to source stunning and unique backdrops?
If so, be sure to fill in the form below to receive my exclusive bonus list featuring 8 additional fantastic online sources for unique backdrops that will transform your food photography!
DIY Backdrops: Unleash Your Creativity and Save Money
Another incredibly rewarding and often more personal way to achieve that ideal background or backdrop is to create it yourself. It might sound a bit daunting at first, especially if you, like me, don’t consider yourself a DIY expert. However, I assure you, it’s more accessible than you think! I’ve spent time exploring numerous tutorials on how to craft your own unique backdrops, and while some can indeed be quite overwhelming with complex steps and specialized tools, I recently stumbled upon a truly brilliant and refreshingly simple tutorial shared on Instagram stories by the super talented Bea Lubas. I was instantly captivated! The core concept is incredibly straightforward, the technique appears remarkably easy to execute, and seeing so many others successfully recreate it with their own unique touches genuinely encouraged me to try it myself. This method offers a fantastic opportunity to infuse your personal style into your photography and create bespoke surfaces that truly reflect your brand and vision, all while being incredibly cost-effective.
So, stay tuned to my channels, because I will absolutely be tackling this DIY backdrop project very soon, and I’ll share my journey and results with you! But if you’re eager to get started on your own custom backdrop without delay, here’s a quick, easy-to-follow guide:
- Begin by visiting a local DIY or hardware store and purchasing a large sheet of plywood. Don’t hesitate to ask them to cut it into smaller, manageable squares. Bea’s tutorial specifically recommended pieces around 800mm x 800mm, which is an ideal size for versatile food photography.
- Next, select 3-4 tester pots of wall paint in different shades of a similar color. This variation in tone will add depth and interest to your finished backdrop. Think earthy browns, muted grays, or soft pastels for that rustic feel.
- Pour small, separate patches of each chosen color directly onto your plywood board. Then, using a small sponge – a kitchen sponge cut in half works perfectly – gently begin distributing the paint across the board in light, circular motions.
- The key here is not to overmix the paint. You want to see distinct, yet harmonious, patches of different colors blending on the board, creating a natural, textured effect. If you overmix, the colors will blend into one flat shade, losing that beautiful, organic variation.
- Finally, allow your newly painted backdrop to dry completely. Patience is a virtue here, as proper drying ensures durability and a smooth finish.
And that’s it! Easy, right? I am genuinely excited to try this out for myself and create some stunning new backdrops for future recipes. The possibilities for color and texture combinations are endless!
Presenting Today’s Culinary Masterpiece: Delicious Beetroot and Cream Cheese Filo Tarts
Now, with our creative passions ignited and our backdrops ready, let’s finally dive into the heart of today’s post: the truly delightful recipe for these vibrant beetroot tarts! These crispy, flavorful parcels are not just a treat for the eyes but also a joyous explosion of taste and texture. The earthy sweetness of beetroot, the tang of cream cheese, and the delicate crispness of filo pastry create an unforgettable experience that is both comforting and sophisticated.
The inspiration for these irresistible filo pastry tarts with beetroot comes from a fantastic recipe I discovered on Love Beetroot. It’s an awesome resource, brimming with an abundance of beetroot-based recipes and fascinating facts about… well, beetroots! Their dedication to this humble, vibrant root vegetable is truly inspiring, and it’s a page I highly recommend for anyone looking to explore the versatility of beetroot in their cooking. My version takes their excellent foundation and adds a few personal touches and adaptations.
For those with dietary considerations, I’ve thoughtfully crafted this recipe using all dairy-free substitutes for the cheese, including a fantastic vegan Parmesan alternative! While I did include one small egg in my personal batch, it can be very easily omitted from the instructions, rendering the recipe 100% vegan. Instead of the ricotta cheese typically found in the original recipe, I’ve opted for a rich and creamy vegan cream cheese, which lends a wonderful texture and tangy flavor. For an even more homemade touch, my very own cashew cream cheese recipe would also make an absolutely fantastic and flavorful substitute, adding another layer of depth to these delectable tarts.
These beetroot tarts, encased in their golden, crispy filo pastry shells, are an absolute dream to serve alongside fresh, crisp salads, making for a perfectly balanced and visually appealing meal. What’s more, their incredible taste holds up whether served hot and fresh from the oven or enjoyed cold, making them an ideal candidate for meal prep, picnics, or easy entertaining. Don’t let the delicate appearance of filo pastry intimidate you; these tarts are genuinely much easier to make than you might imagine, promising a rewarding culinary experience with minimal fuss. Give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Until next time, keep exploring, creating, and enjoying delicious food!
A.
Just a quick note to add, this post is absolutely not sponsored by any of the companies, products, or individuals mentioned. All recommendations are based purely on genuine personal experience and enthusiasm!
📖 Recipe: Beetroot and Cream Cheese Filo Tarts
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Beetroot and Cream Cheese Filo Tarts
Ingredients
- 4 medium beetroots (cooked and precisely cut into ½ cm pieces for even distribution)
- 4 sheets filo pastry (thawed if frozen, kept under a damp cloth to prevent drying)
- 3 tablespoon cream cheese (choose dairy-free for a vegan option, or your preferred cream cheese)
- 1 small bunch of chives (finely chopped, for freshness and a mild onion flavor)
- 1 tablespoon nigella seeds (for a unique, slightly peppery aroma and crunch)
- 50 g grated parmesan (use a dairy-free substitute for a fully vegan recipe)
- 1 small egg (optional, for binding and richness; omit for vegan)
- 20 g melted butter (use a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil for vegan)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling and finishing)
Instructions
- To begin, preheat your oven to a steady 180 degrees Celsius (approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare the luscious tart filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked beetroot pieces, cream cheese (dairy-free if preferred), the optional egg (if using), finely chopped chives, aromatic nigella seeds, and half of the grated Parmesan (or vegan Parmesan). Gently mix all these ingredients together until well combined. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then set this flavorful mixture aside.
- Take four individual ramekins or a muffin tin (for smaller tarts) of your choice. Lightly brush the inside of each with melted butter or a dairy-free alternative to prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful golden crust. Set them aside.
- Working with one sheet of filo pastry at a time (keeping the others covered to prevent drying), brush the entire surface with melted butter. Carefully fold the filo sheet in half lengthwise over itself, creating a double layer, then brush with a little more melted butter for extra crispness and flavor.
- Delicately place each prepared filo sheet into a buttered ramekin, allowing it to crinkle and fold naturally, creating a beautiful rustic appearance. Gently push the pastry down so it touches the bottom and forms a cup. If your ramekins are particularly small, you might find it beneficial to cut your folded filo sheet in half again, using two smaller layers per ramekin to achieve the desired crispness and fit.
- Evenly divide your flavorful beetroot and cream cheese mixture among each of the prepared ramekins. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese (or your chosen dairy-free alternative) over the top of each tart. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the filo pastry turns a beautiful golden brown and appears deliciously crispy.
- Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the tarts from the oven. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, drizzle lightly with a good quality olive oil, and sprinkle with a final flourish of fresh chives and more nigella seeds. Serve these delightful beetroot tarts either directly in their ramekins or gently turn them out onto serving plates. Enjoy them hot or cold!
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested using metric grams for the most accurate and consistent results. I strongly recommend using digital scales for precision. While I have provided a conversion to US customary measurements within the recipe, please be aware that I haven’t personally tested the recipe using these conversions and results may vary.
Nutrition
