Heirloom Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart
As the summer sun ripens tomatoes to perfection, there's no better homage to this versatile fruit than an Heirloom Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart. This savory pie marries the robust flavors of heirloom tomatoes with the creamy tanginess of goat cheese, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. In this post, we'll guide you through creating a tart that's as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
Heirloom tomatoes, known for their diverse flavors and vibrant colors, are the stars of this tart. Each variety, from the deep red Brandywine to the striped Green Zebra, brings its unique taste and aesthetic, making this dish a mosaic of summer's bounty.
The secret to this tart lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the sharpness of the goat cheese, and the richness of the crust come together in a symphony of taste that celebrates the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients.
We'll explore the intricacies of making a perfect pastry crust, tips for selecting the best heirloom tomatoes, and how to layer the ingredients for maximum flavor impact. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious cook, this Heirloom Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart is a rewarding project that's sure to impress.
Join us as we delve into the heart of summer with this savory tart, a dish that's as satisfying to create as it is to share. Perfect for a light lunch, a summer dinner party, or a picnic under the sun, this tart is a testament to the joys of seasonal cooking.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
- 1 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 5 tablespoons of ice water
- 1 1/2 pound of heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces of goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Make the Dough
In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, stirring until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Roll and Pre-bake
Roll dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a tart pan. Prick the bottom, line with parchment, fill with pie weights, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. Remove weights and parchment.
- Arrange Tomatoes
Over the crust, layer sliced tomatoes, overlapping slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Goat Cheese
Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and thyme over tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake
Brush the crust edge with egg wash. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden.
- Cool and Serve
Let the tart cool before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Enjoy!
Serving Size 1
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 13g65%
- Cholesterol 55mg19%
- Sodium 320mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 8g16%
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 60 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Unsaturated Fat 9g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Tomato Selection: Choose a variety of colors and sizes for a visually appealing tart.
Draining Tomatoes: To avoid a soggy crust, lay tomato slices on paper towels and salt lightly to draw out excess moisture.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
