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Heirloom Tomato Tart

This heirloom tomato tart features a flaky puff pastry crust topped with vibrant, juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and fresh basil. The dish combines baking and assembly steps to create a colorful, flavorful tart with a crisp crust and a juicy, tender filling. The final appearance is a golden-brown, rustic tart bursting with bright tomato hues and aromatic herbs.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sheet puff pastry store-bought or homemade
  • 4-6 large heirloom tomatoes firm, vibrant, ripe
  • 4 oz goat cheese soft, creamy
  • 8 leaves fresh basil roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil good quality, fruity
  • to taste salt and pepper flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze optional, for drizzling

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Rolling pin
  • Pie weights or dried beans
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowl
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 9-inch circle, then transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a fork to prick the dough all over to prevent bubbling, and place parchment paper and pie weights or dried beans on top. Blind bake for 15 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
  2. While the crust bakes, slice the heirloom tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle generously with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.
  3. Remove the crust from the oven once it’s golden and slightly crisp. Carefully take off the parchment and weights, then spread crumbled goat cheese evenly over the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  4. Arrange the tomato slices over the goat cheese in overlapping circles, covering most of the crust but leaving a border around the edges. Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil evenly over the tomatoes for a burst of herbal aroma. Optionally, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet, smoky finish.
  6. Place the assembled tart back into the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes are slightly wrinkled and the edges of the crust are deeply golden. The kitchen will fill with the fragrant aroma of baked herbs and ripe tomatoes.
  7. Remove the tart from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice into wedges, ensuring each piece has a good mix of crust, tomato, and cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and texture.