Imagine a warm summer evening, the sun setting in a glorious display of oranges and pinks, and the air filled with the mouthwatering aroma of roasted tomatoes. That’s right, we’re diving into the world of tomato tart. This dish is like a hug from an Italian grandmother; it’s comforting, savory, and has that delightful crispy crust that just sings in harmony with the juicy tomatoes. Picture this: as you slice into that golden-brown pastry, the rich smell wafts through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around for a taste.
Now let me take you back to a picnic last summer when I first made this delicious tomato tart. With friends sprawled out on the grass and laughter echoing across the park, each bite was met with approving nods and exclamations of joy. It was a hit! This dish is perfect for a casual gathering or an elegant dinner party; its vibrant colors and rich flavors will make your guests think you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day when really, it’s quite simple to make!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This tomato tart combines fresh ingredients with an easy preparation process that results in a stunning dish
- Its rich flavor profile makes it irresistible to all palates
- The visual appeal of vibrant tomatoes atop a flaky crust is sure to impress any guest
- Enjoy it hot or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion
This recipe has sparked joy among my friends and turned them into tomato lovers overnight. I remember one friend saying she never liked tomatoes until she had this tart!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for optimal flavor; heirloom varieties are especially delightful.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for making that buttery pastry; opt for unbleached flour for better texture.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter works best; it keeps your crust flaky and tender.
Eggs: These add richness to both the filling and crust; use large eggs for best results.
Cream Cheese: This creates a creamy layer beneath the tomatoes; feel free to substitute with ricotta if desired.
Fresh Herbs (Basil & Thyme): These herbs pack in flavor; freshly chopped herbs elevate your tart immensely.
Salt & Pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings that bring everything together perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix flour and salt together before cutting in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step helps maintain flakiness during baking.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer it to your tart pan.
Prepare Your Filling: In another bowl, combine cream cheese with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared crust.
Add Tomatoes: Slice your fresh tomatoes and arrange them artfully on top of the cream cheese layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle more herbs for extra flavor.
Bake Your Tart: Place your assembled tart in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the tomatoes are bubbly. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Now that you’ve mastered making tomato tart, you can sit back and bask in compliments from your family or friends! Enjoy every flavorful bite as they marvel at how effortlessly you created such culinary magic!
You Must Know
- Tomato tart is a delightful dish that brings out the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes
- Perfect for brunch or a light dinner, it’s easy to customize with herbs and cheese for extra flavor
- The aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by pre-baking the crust to ensure it’s crispy. While it cools, slice tomatoes and mix with spices for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap tomatoes for other vegetables like zucchini or add goat cheese for creaminess. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the taste further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tomato tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a mixture of heirloom and cherry tomatoes for varied flavors and textures
- Avoid watery tomatoes by salting them before baking to draw out excess moisture
- Don’t rush cooling the crust; a well-cooled base supports the toppings better
Creating my first tomato tart was a delightful disaster! Friends raved about it, even though I accidentally used way too much garlic, turning it into a vampire repellent!
FAQ
How can I make my tomato tart crust flaky?
Use cold butter and chill the dough before baking for a flaky texture.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, but drain them well to avoid a soggy tart.
What herbs pair best with tomato tart?
Basil, oregano, and thyme are excellent choices that complement the tomatoes beautifully.
Tomato Tart
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this easy-to-make tomato tart, perfect for any gathering! With a flaky crust and juicy heirloom tomatoes topped with creamy cheese and herbs, this dish is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s sure to impress your guests and turn them into tomato lovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–4 tbsp ice water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups ripe tomatoes, sliced (preferably heirloom)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until dough forms.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer to a tart pan.
- In a bowl, blend cream cheese with herbs, salt, and pepper; spread over the crust.
- Arrange tomato slices on top; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with additional herbs.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Cool slightly before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Leave a Comment