Tomato and Goat’s Cheese Tart

Indulge in the delectable flavors of a homemade savory tart with this Cherry Tomato and Goat’s Cheese Tart recipe. This culinary delight combines a crisp, buttery pastry crust with a creamy, rich filling, showcasing the vibrant sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the tangy creaminess of goat’s cheese. With a golden, puffed filling and a flaky pastry shell, this tart is perfect for brunches, light lunches, or as an elegant appetizer. The combination of fresh ingredients and delicate flavors makes this recipe a must-try for anyone looking to create a show-stopping dish with minimal effort.

PREP 1 HOUR

COOK 30 MINS

MAKES 6 SLICES

INGREDIENTS:

Pastry:

• 185g (1 1/4 cups) plain flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 85g chilled Fairy margarine, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

Filling:

• 2 eggs
• 250 ml (1 cup) cream
• Salt and pepper, to season

Assembly:

• 250g cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 150g goat’s cheese
• Basil leaves, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

PASTRY

1. Combine flour, baking powder, and chilled Fairy margarine in a food processor. Process until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add egg yolk, lemon juice, and just enough cold water to bring the pastry together.
3. Knead the pastry lightly and pat it into a round, flat shape. Wrap it in baking paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest.
4. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
5. Roll out the pastry on a floured board and line a greased rectangular fluted fan tin.
6. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Rest in the refrigerator for another 20 minutes.
7. Blind bake the pastry for 10 minutes. Remove the paper and beans or rice, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden.

FILLING

1. Lightly beat eggs and cream together, then season with salt and pepper.

ASSEMBLY

1. Spread the cut cherry tomatoes over the pastry base and place chunks of goat’s cheese on top.
2. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the tomatoes and cheese. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 180°C and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the filling is puffed and golden.
3. Once baked, top the tart with fresh basil leaves before serving.

TIPS & HINTS:

• When making the pastry, ensure that the Fairy margarine is chilled and cut into small pieces. The cold margarine will help create a flaky texture in the pastry.
• While kneading the pastry, handle it lightly to prevent overworking the dough, which could result in a tough crust.
• When rolling out the pastry, use a floured board to prevent sticking. Additionally, chilling the dough before blind baking helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
• Blind baking the pastry involves pre-baking it before adding the filling. This step ensures that the bottom of the tart remains crisp, even after the creamy filling is added.
• For the filling, season the egg and cream mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the tart.
• When assembling the tart, distribute the cherry tomatoes evenly over the base for a balanced flavor profile. The goat’s cheese adds a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• To achieve the best texture and flavor, be cautious not to overbake the tart. The filling should be puffed and golden, indicating that it’s fully cooked yet still moist.

Enjoy this flavorful Cherry Tomato and Goat’s Cheese Tart as a delightful dish for various occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant events. The combination of textures and tastes is sure to impress your guests or simply satisfy your own culinary cravings.