Fresh Tomato Tart is a beautiful, savory tart that showcases the bright, juicy flavors of ripe tomatoes layered over a creamy, herb-infused cheese filling, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the taste of fresh tomatoes, especially in the summer. With a hint of garlic and basil, each slice is flavorful, light, and refreshing. This tart makes an elegant appetizer, side, or even a light main dish, pairing wonderfully with a simple salad or glass of white wine.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, salt, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trim the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Arrange the Tomatoes: Layer the tomato slices on top of the cheese filling, slightly overlapping them in a circular pattern. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the Tart: Return the tart to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tomatoes are slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Garnish with extra basil before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this Fresh Tomato Tart as a delicious, light dish that’s perfect for warm-weather dining, showcasing the best flavors of fresh, juicy tomatoes with a creamy herb filling!
