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French Tomato Tart Recipe

Erin Rains
Before diving into the delightful world of French Tomato Tart, let’s pause for a moment to consider what can beautifully complement this dish. Think of a crisp green salad drizzled with a homemade vinaigrette, brightening up your meal with freshness.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 346 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium ripe heirloom tomatoes thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil cold-pressed
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 cup finely shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup whole grain Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry defrosted
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

  • Let's start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures that the pastry puffs up perfectly, creating that delightful flaky texture we’re after.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

  • Unroll the sheet of defrosted puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently to fit a tart pan or a baking sheet. Keep it about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the pastry to the pan, trimming any excess around the edges. Prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing too much during baking.

Step 3: Spread the Mustard

  • Spread the ¼ cup of whole grain Dijon mustard evenly across the base of the pastry. This step adds a layer of flavor beneath the tomatoes, making each slice even more enjoyable.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

  • Sprinkle the 1 cup of finely shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the mustard layer. Ensure an even distribution. This cheese is going to melt together beautifully with the tomatoes.

Step 5: Arrange the Tomatoes

  • Layer the thinly sliced heirloom tomatoes over the cheese. Feel free to overlap slices for an artistic presentation. This is your chance to showcase the vibrant colors.

Step 6: Season it Up

  • Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, followed by a sprinkle of 1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Next, scatter the 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves and dust a little 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika over the top.

Step 7: Bake the Tart

  • Place the tart in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Glaze with Honey

  • Once you pull the tart from the oven, drizzle it with 1 teaspoon of honey for a final touch. This is the secret ingredient that brings everything together with a delightful sweetness.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

  • Allow the tart to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing it into wedges. This waiting time will help the flavors meld together beautifully.

Notes

Choose the Right Tomatoes: Opt for ripe heirloom tomatoes. Their sweetness and flavor make a significant difference. If heirloom isn’t available, Roma or beefsteak tomatoes work well, too.
Baking Sheet vs. Tart Pan: Use a tart pan for a traditional look, or any baking sheet for a more rustic feel. Whatever you choose, ensure your pastry fits snugly.
Add Extra Veggies: For more texture and flavor, consider adding roasted red bell peppers or caramelized onions. They complement the tomatoes beautifully.
Keep the Pastry Cold: If your kitchen is warm, chill the pastry before baking. This step ensures a great rise and more flakes.
Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: The tart tastes great regardless of serving temperature. Just know that flavors shine better after some time to mingle.

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 9gFat: 25.2gSaturated Fat: 8.8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 552mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 3IUCalcium: 17mgIron: 8mg
Keyword French Tomato Tart Recipe
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