When you’re craving something light yet full of flavor, a tomato tart is a true discovery. This dish combines the crispiness of flaky pastry, the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the delicate saltiness of cheese – all infused with the spirit of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for a weekend lunch or an elegant appetizer with a glass of white wine, the tomato tart is sure to delight both guests and family alike.
Recipe: Tomato Tart
Servings: 6–8
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 package of puff pastry (about 300 g)
- 3–4 ripe tomatoes
- 150 g mozzarella or feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil, thyme, or other herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- (Optional) a drizzle of balsamic vinegar
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
- Line a baking dish with puff pastry and prick it with a fork.
- Spread a thin layer of mustard over the pastry – this adds flavor and prevents sogginess.
- Slice or crumble the cheese and spread it evenly over the base.
- Slice the tomatoes thinly and arrange them on top.
- Season with salt, pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the tomatoes are gently caramelized.
- Garnish with fresh basil or other herbs and drizzle with balsamic vinegar just before serving.
Tomato Tart Variations
- Vegan version: Replace cheese with plant-based alternatives or sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pastry made from rice or buckwheat flour.
- With onions or garlic: Before adding the tomatoes, layer thinly sliced caramelized onions or lightly sautéed garlic for extra depth.
- With herbs: Substitute basil with oregano, thyme, parsley, dill, or Provençal herbs.
- Luxury twist: Finish with a few drops of balsamic glaze or shavings of Parmesan.
- Vegetable mix: Tomatoes pair beautifully with other vegetables like thinly sliced zucchini, eggplant, red onions, bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli and cauliflower (lightly pre-cooked or sautéed). These combinations enrich the flavor and add color and texture.
In Conclusion
The tomato tart is a versatile, delicious, and visually appealing dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. It doesn’t require special cooking skills, yet the result is both beautiful and satisfying. Whether you choose the classic version with mozzarella or a creative twist with vegetables and herbs, this tart will always bring back the taste of summer – even on the coldest days of the year.