Indulge in the deliciousness of our Heirloom Tomato Tart—a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds! If you’ve yet to experience the delights of heirloom tomatoes, seize this opportunity to craft a simple, exquisite, and savory tart.
In crafting this tart, we rely on our renowned Shortcrust Pastry for its unmatched tenderness and flakiness, serving as the perfect foundation. However, if you’re seeking to streamline your preparation process, feel free to opt for a refrigerated pie crust instead.
Creating this dish is incredibly straightforward and becomes even quicker if you choose to utilize a refrigerated pie crust available at your nearby grocery store. However, I assure you that opting for homemade pastry elevates the experience to a whole new level of deliciousness!
As the crust blind bakes, whip up the decadent cheese filling in your food processor and slice the vibrant Heirloom Tomatoes. After allowing the crust to cool for a few minutes, spread it with the cheese mixture and arrange the tomatoes in alternating hues. Sprinkle with fragrant herbs, season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, and then pop it in the oven to bake to perfection.
Blind baking crusts is a crucial step in certain recipes, particularly for tarts and pies with wet fillings, as it ensures that the crust is fully cooked and maintains its structure. This process prevents the crust from becoming soggy or undercooked when it’s filled with moist ingredients.
Blind baking involves partially or fully baking the crust before adding the filling, often with the aid of pie weights or parchment paper and dry beans to weigh down the dough and prevent it from puffing up excessively.
Directions for Blind Baking Crust:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your recipe.
- Roll out your pastry dough and carefully line your tart pan, ensuring it fits snugly against the sides and bottom.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming.
- Line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure it covers the entire surface and extends over the edges.
- Fill the lined crust with pie weights, dried beans, or rice, distributing them evenly to weigh down the dough.
- Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake the crust for the time specified in your recipe, usually until the edges are lightly golden.
- Carefully remove the parchment paper or foil with the weights, and return the crust to the oven to bake for a few more minutes until the bottom is dry and fully cooked.
- Once blind baking is complete, remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before adding your desired filling.
Blind baking ensures that your tart or pie crust is perfectly crisp and ready to hold your delicious fillings, resulting in a finished dish that’s both visually appealing and delightful to eat.
Blind bake above is from our Ham & Cheese Quiche
French Savoury Tart
In contrast to traditional savory tarts, our Heirloom Tomato Tart takes a refreshing twist by omitting custard or cream. Instead, it boasts a delightful combination of sliced tomatoes, fragrant herbs, creamy ricotta, and tangy goat cheese.
By forgoing a heavy custard, the tomatoes’ natural flavor and texture shine through, enhanced by a hint of lemon zest for an extra burst of freshness. Feel free to personalize your tart by substituting your favorite cheese, whether it’s halloumi, fontina, or any other melty fromage of your choice.
Exploring the Rainbow: A Guide to Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes, with their vibrant colors and unparalleled flavors, are a beloved treasure of the culinary world. As you embark on a journey to discover the wonders of these timeless gems, let’s delve into their rich variety, where to find them, and essential information for anyone eager to explore their delicious possibilities.
Heirloom Tomato Varieties
One of the most enchanting aspects of heirloom tomatoes is their diverse range of shapes, colors, and flavors. From the luscious sweetness of the Brandywine to the zesty tang of the Green Zebra, each variety offers a unique culinary experience. Indulge in the juicy richness of the Cherokee Purple, or savor the golden hues of the Pineapple tomato. With heirlooms, there’s a tomato for every palate and recipe, making them a delightful addition to any kitchen.
- Brandywine (Pink, Red, or Yellow)
- Cherokee Purple
- Green Zebra
- Mortgage Lifter
- Black Krim
- Yellow Pear
- Hillbilly
- Pineapple
- Purple Cherokee
- Costoluto Genovese
- Aunt Ruby’s German Green
- Black Cherry
- Great White
- Chocolate Stripes
These varieties represent just a fraction of the diverse and flavorful heirloom tomatoes available to explore!
Where to Purchase Heirloom Tomatoes
While heirloom tomatoes can be found in some supermarkets, their true essence is best experienced through local farmers’ markets, specialty grocers, or even by growing them in your own backyard. Seek out farmers who prioritize heirloom cultivation, as they often offer a wider selection of varieties and ensure the freshest, most flavorful produce. Connecting with local growers not only supports sustainable agriculture but also allows you to discover new heirloom treasures and build a sense of community around food.
Key Information
For those new to heirloom tomatoes, it’s essential to understand their unique characteristics and care requirements. Unlike hybrid varieties bred for uniformity and shelf life, heirlooms boast a rich heritage passed down through generations. Embrace their irregular shapes and sizes, knowing that each imperfection tells a story of flavor and history.
When selecting heirloom tomatoes, look for fruits that are firm yet yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating ripeness. Store them at room temperature to preserve their delicate flavors and avoid refrigeration, which can dull their taste and texture.
In the kitchen, heirloom tomatoes shine in a myriad of dishes, from simple salads and sandwiches to elaborate tarts and sauces. Experiment with different varieties to discover their distinct flavor profiles and culinary versatility. Whether roasted, grilled, or enjoyed fresh off the vine, heirloom tomatoes are sure to elevate any dish with their unparalleled taste and visual appeal.
Heirloom Tomatoes Elevate Recipes
In conclusion, as you venture into the realm of heirloom tomatoes, anticipate embarking on a culinary odyssey characterized by vibrant hues, nuanced flavors, and a profound appreciation for nature’s bounty. Whether you’re an experienced chef or an avid home cook, heirloom tomatoes promise boundless opportunities for culinary creativity and discovery. Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of flavors that heirloom tomatoes offer, allowing their timeless allure to ignite inspiration in your culinary pursuits.
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How to Make an Heirloom Tomato Tart
Equipment
- Tart Pan 13 3/4" x 4 1/2" x 1" high
Ingredients
- 1 batch Shortcrust Pastry, or (1) 9-inch refrigerated pie crust
- 1 cup (250 grams) Ricotta
- ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan, freshly shredded
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest, approximately 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed + peeled + finely chopped
- 1 cup (224 grams) Goat Cheese
- 1 pound (453 grams) Heirloom Tomatoes, washed + cored + sliced ¼ thickness
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Kosher sea salt & Freshly cracked Black Pepper, to taste
- fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 1 large egg, organic + lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F/204°C
Blind Bake Tart Shell
- Roll the Shortcrust Pastry (or refrigerated pie crust) to ¼ thickness, drape over the tart pan, being sure to fit the dough down into the corners of the tart pan and uniformly up the sides. Trimming off the excess dough, dock the bottom of the tart liberally with a fork. cover with parchment paper and then add baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, transfer from the oven and lift the beans (or rice) out with the liner and return the shell back to the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the shell to cool, then proceed with your tart.
- Turn the oven temperature up to 425°F/218°C
Heirloom Tart Filling
- Meanwhile, add the ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, garlic cloves, and goat cheese to the food processor. Blitz for 30-60 seconds until smooth.
- Assemble the tart: Brush shell with slight beaten organic egg. Then spread the filling into the tart shell and smooth with an offset spatula. Alternate the tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and then season with Kosher salt and pepper.
- Bake until golden brown and the tomatoes are wilted a bit and the has browned 25-35 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes. Slice, garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- Prep time is approximate.
- Best eaten after being freshly baked and pulled from the oven to cool for 5 minutes.
Creative Recipe Inspiration
Love tomatoes as much as we do? Then you’ll defiantly want to check out our Vine Ripened Slow Roasted Tomatoes for some serious Tomato Nirvana!
Add a little spice to your life with a bowl of Authentic Restaurant Style Salsa!
Step Into My Kitchen!
Hey there, fellow food enthusiast! Welcome to Mean Green Chef, where every dish tells a story and every recipe is a labor of love. I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and the journey that led me here, stirring pots and sprinkling spices for over three decades!
How you come up with amazing recipes like this is beyond me! I have no idea that there are many varieties of tomatoes and that some are GMO. It opened my eyes on what to watch out for.
The recipe looks delicious! And it is a 5 star dining recipe. Bravo Angela!
Awww, Jane, you made my day! Savory tarts are at the top of my favorite food to make and eat! lol So glad that you like this and I was able to share some new info with you too. Most of the tomatoes you’ll find in grocery stores are in fact GMO. Thank you so much for visiting 🙂
I love heirloom tomatoes and will buy them even when I can not get organic! The flavor is amazing and I love this recipe!
Thank you so much, Tricia! I agree Heirloom tomatoes are amazing in every way 🙂
I had to pin this! I’ve been meaning to try a savory tart and this one is PERFECT! Goat cheese is one of my top two cheese, so I’m pretty much a sucker for any recipes that use it.
Thank you so much, Colleen! I adore goat cheese as well and the hit of lemon in this recipe really round the whole bite out, be sure to share your recipe creation with us! 🙂
This is absolutely beautiful! I can’t wait to serve this at my upcoming brunch in October!
Fabulous, thanks so much, Kendra! Please be sure to share some photos with us too 🙂
We have just the right tomatoes for this available right now – I can’t wait to try it! I am going to make it with feta, which is a little salty compared with ricotta, but everyone can eat it. Gorgeous setup and photo.
Great, Beth, please be sure to share your recipe creation with us! Feta is the perfect cheese for this too 🙂
This looks amazing! I love making tarts, they are so easy but really impressive to guests for social events. 🙂 I will save this and give it a try!
Thanks so much, Christen! Tarts are Sooooooo simple to make and really showy for any occasion, so glad you like ours and appreciate you stopping by 🙂
I can’t wait to try this for my upcoming event and I will be sure to let you know how it turns out!
Looking forward to hearing how it turns out, Kisha! 🙂
I love recipes and this one is awesome, I also really like the information about tomatoes you have included with this. This is our first year growing organic heirloom tomatoes and there are so many who do not know the difference, I myself did not for a long time either. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for visiting, David! So excited to hear that you are growing Heirloom Tomatoes, they’re so bright and flavorful! Hope to see you again 🙂
What a stunning tart!!! Thanks for the careful instructions and the beautiful recipe!!
Thank you so much, Josi! So happy that you like it 🙂
I LOVE tomatoes with a passion and this tart looks amazing! I cannot wait to try this recipe out!!!!
Thank you, Nicole! I agree tomatoes are such a wonderful treat, please be sure to share your results when you create your own tart! 🙂
This is a wonderful post, your heirloom tomatoes are just beautiful. Your Heirloom Tomato Tart looks delicious! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday and come back to see us soon!
Miz Helen
Thanks so much, Miz Helen! Love being a part of Full Plate Thursday!
Congratulations, your post is featured on Full Plate Thursday,450! Thanks so much for sharinig your talent with us and have a wonderful week.
Miz Helen
Thank you so much for featuring us, Miz Helen! We love being a part of your great link up 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever had a heirloom tomato but they look so delicious! Do the different colors all have different flavors or are they about all the same? Also, we don’t like goat cheese, could we use something else like mozzarella maybe? This looks so fresh and yummy, I need to find these somewhere! We live in Japan so it may be difficult lol
Absolutely, Felicia, you can sub different cheese to your liking! Heirlooms def have different favors we’ve mentioned the contrasting flavors of each variety with the information. Thanks so much for visiting 🙂
This tart looks gorgeous. I loved all the info on heirloom tomatoes! So many things I didn’t know!
Thanks so much, Jacqueline! So glad that you found our information helpful too 🙂
Our garden is STILL giving us tomatoes so I am definitely going to give a tart a try. Thanks for the great idea!
Nothing beats garden fresh tomatoes, be sure to share your tart creation with us! 🙂