Tomato and Cheese Tart

This tomato and cheese tart is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes, rich cheese, aromatic basil, and a perfectly baked crust. It's a savory tart that's perfect for brunch, lunch, or as a light dinner option. The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious melody of taste, balancing the acidity of tomatoes with the creaminess of cheese and a hint of spice from the Tabasco sauce. The buttery crust provides a crisp base that complements the juicy filling. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics or potlucks. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this tart is both satisfying and elegant. The preparation process is simple yet rewarding, allowing even beginner cooks to create something special. Serve it with a fresh green salad or a chilled white wine for an exquisite meal experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 200 g flour
• Pinch of salt
• 100 g soft butter
• 1 small onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tbsp oil
• 4 medium-sized tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 200 g grated cheese (preferably Emmental)
• 1 handful of basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/8 l milk
• Tabasco sauce

Preparation Time

Total Time: 75 minutes (30 minutes for chilling, 45 minutes for baking and preparation)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine flour, a pinch of salt, 5 tablespoons of water, and soft butter. Mix until you form a smooth dough. If it feels too dry, gradually add a few more drops of water.
2. Chill the Dough: Roll out the dough to cover a tart pan with about a 3 cm high edge. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 230°C.
4. Prepare the Filling: Peel the onion and garlic, then finely chop them. Sauté in hot oil until translucent, then let them cool down.
5. Tomato Preparation: Pour boiling water over the tomatoes, peel off the skin, remove the stem areas, and slice them.
6. Chop the Basil: Cut the basil leaves into strips.
7. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, sautéed onions, garlic, and a couple of drops of Tabasco sauce.
8. Blind Bake the Crust: Cover the dough with aluminum foil and bake for 5 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes at 210°C until light yellow.
9. Adjust Oven Temperature: Take it out from the oven and decrease the oven temperature to 160°C.
10. Assemble the Tart: Sprinkle 3/4 of the grated cheese over the baked crust. Layer with sliced tomatoes.
11. Pour the Egg Mixture: Gently pour the egg and milk mixture over the tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
12. Add Final Touches: Top with the chopped basil and remaining cheese.
13. Final Baking: Bake the assembled tart at 140°C for 40 minutes until the filling is set.
14. Cooling: After removing from the oven, let the tart cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Tips

• Cheese Variations: You can substitute Emmental with Gruyère or Cheddar for different flavor profiles.
• Crust Alternatives: Use a store-bought pie crust for convenience if you're short on time.
• Spice It Up: Add more Tabasco or chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 430 kcal per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Fats: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the crust.
• Vegetarian Delight: Replace the cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan version.
• Add Greens: Add spinach or arugula for extra color and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

• Accompaniments: Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Beverage Pairings: A glass of chilled white wine or fresh lemonade complements this tart beautifully.

Best Places

1. La Tart Nation - A picturesque café known for its exquisite savory tarts. Location: 123 Tart Lane, Paris, France.
2. Cheese & Tomato Bistro - Famous for their rustic tomato tarts. Location: 456 Bistro Blvd, Rome, Italy.
3. The Tart Gallery - A cozy spot offering a twist on classic tart recipes. Location: 789 Baker St, London, UK.
4. Basil & Bread - A vibrant café with a focus on fresh herbs in their dishes. Location: 321 Herb Ave, New York, USA.
5. Tomato Haven - Celebrated for their innovative use of tomatoes in every dish. Location: 654 Tomato Rd, Madrid, Spain.
6. Crust & Crème - Known for their flaky crust tarts and pastries. Location: 987 Creme St, Melbourne, Australia.
7. Slice of Elegance - Offers a luxurious twist on traditional savory tarts. Location: 567 Elegance Dr, Toronto, Canada.
8. The Gourmet Tartshop - A must-visit for tart enthusiasts. Location: 234 Gourmet Ln, Dublin, Ireland.
9. Mediterranean Tart Bar - Offers a wide range of Mediterranean-inspired tarts. Location: 120 Med Rd, Athens, Greece.
10. Artisan Bistro - An elegant restaurant serving beautifully crafted tarts. Location: 456 Artisan Blvd, San Francisco, USA.