This roasted tomato tart with ricotta and pesto is the epitome of summer flavors. Sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and vibrant pesto combine for a stunning and delicious tart that's perfect for a light lunch, a sophisticated appetizer, or a delightful addition to any summer gathering. This recipe goes beyond the basic tart, offering tips and tricks to elevate your baking game and ensure a truly memorable culinary experience.
Why This Roasted Tomato Tart Recipe Stands Out
Many recipes for tomato tarts exist, but this one distinguishes itself through several key elements:
- Deeply Roasted Tomatoes: We're not just roasting tomatoes; we're caramelizing them until they're intensely sweet and bursting with flavor. This process is crucial for creating a truly exceptional tart.
- High-Quality Ingredients: The success of this recipe hinges on using the best ingredients you can find. Fresh, ripe tomatoes, good quality ricotta, and homemade pesto (although store-bought is acceptable in a pinch) are key to achieving optimal taste.
- Flaky, Buttery Crust: The recipe provides instructions for a simple yet incredibly flaky and buttery crust. A great crust is the foundation of any successful tart.
- Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or even add other roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Roasting the Tomatoes:
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss tomatoes: Toss halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast: Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized.
Assembling and Baking the Tart:
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to pan: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Blind bake (optional): For a crispier crust, you can blind bake it for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling. This involves lining the crust with parchment paper and filling it with pie weights or dried beans.
- Spread ricotta: Spread the ricotta evenly over the crust.
- Add pesto and garlic: Spread the pesto over the ricotta, followed by the minced garlic.
- Arrange tomatoes: Arrange the roasted tomatoes on top of the pesto and ricotta mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Cool and serve: Let the tart cool slightly before removing it from the pan and slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the tomatoes to allow them to roast properly.
- Use a good quality ricotta: The flavor of the ricotta will significantly impact the overall taste of the tart.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the tart and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature: This tart is delicious served either warm from the oven or at room temperature.
This roasted tomato tart with ricotta and pesto is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant colors, incredible flavors, and relatively simple preparation make it a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy!
