Hearts of Palm With Herb Pastry & Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

Pastry

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 ounces butter, chopped
• 1 ounce shortening
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 4 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 6 tablespoons very cold water

Filling

• 1 ounce butter
• 2 (14 ounce) cans hearts of palm, drained & cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 pint half-and-half
• salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Sauce

• 13 ounces chopped tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 2 hot red chili peppers, seeded & chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, mashed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 4 spring onions, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• salt & pepper

Directions

1. 1

   For Pastry: Sift flour w/ salt & cayenne pepper; Rub in butter & shortening until mixture resembles breadcrumbs; Stir in herbs & mix well.

2. 2

   Add cold water and mix to a firm dough,first with knife, then with hand; Add more water, if necessary.

3. 3

   Wrap and chill for 30 minutes before using; Heat oven to 400° F; Roll out pastry, line 11 inch flan ring or pie dish & chill. Bake pastry (prick & weigh down with wax paper & beans) 15 mins, then bake another 5 minutes Cool slightly, lower oven temp to 350.

4. 4

   For filling: Melt butter, add hearts of palm, parsley & oregano & cook over medium heat 5 minutes; Set aside to cool slightly.

5. 5

   Mix eggs, yolks and 1/2 & 1/2; Season with salt & pepper. Spoon hearts of palm mixture onto pastry, sprinkle with cheese & pour liquid over top. Bake until set, 25 mins; Cool for 10 mins before transferring to serving dish.

6. 6

   For sauce: Mix all ingredients in large sauce pan & gently bring to a boil; Season with salt & pepper, reduce heat & cook uncovered 30 minutes. Serve sauce warm (on the side).

7. 7

   Serve hot or cold.