Summer's bounty is at its peak, and what better way to celebrate than with a vibrant and flavorful heirloom tomato tart? This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a sophisticated weekend brunch. Forget complicated pastries; this recipe uses store-bought puff pastry for a quick and delicious homemade meal. This healthy and delicious dish is a perfect example of easy recipes that don't compromise on taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning and satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 pint heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Preparing the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently prick the pastry all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
Assembling the Tart:
- Brush the pastry with the beaten egg. This will help the toppings adhere and give the crust a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Evenly distribute the minced garlic over the pastry.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the garlic.
- Arrange the sliced heirloom tomatoes and halved cherry or grape tomatoes on top of the pastry, slightly overlapping them.
- Sprinkle the oregano, salt, and pepper over the tomatoes.
- Scatter the crumbled feta cheese evenly across the tart.
- Finally, sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the cheese.
Baking the Tart:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the tomatoes are softened. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary!
- Let the tart cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents it from being too runny.
Tips for the Best Heirloom Tomato Tart:
- Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes: The more colors and shapes, the more visually appealing your tart will be!
- Don't overcrowd the pastry: Leave a little space between the tomato slices to allow them to cook evenly.
- For extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Substitute cheeses: Goat cheese or ricotta would be delicious alternatives to feta.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Roasted red peppers, zucchini, or caramelized onions would be tasty additions.
- Make it a vegetarian tart: Add some sauteed mushrooms or spinach for a heartier meal.
- Use different herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or a mix of Italian herbs would all work well.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This quick dinner idea is a simple yet impressive dish perfect for showcasing the vibrant flavors of summer. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal – a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking and one of the best recipes for using seasonal produce. It's a wonderful addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals.