Heirloom Tomato and Ricotta Tart

1 hours 20 mins Prep Time

55 mins Cook Time

Written By

Nadia Boachie

This recipe is by TastingTable and I have only modified it slightly omitting some of the herbs used and sticking to parmesan for my crust and filling. This tart is perfect for the end of summer. As September is fast approaching, it is time to use up all the fresh summer ingredients. This tart can be eaten at room temperature or cold! It is made of fresh heirloom tomatoes and garden-fresh herbs. It can be eaten shortly out of the oven, or made ahead, refrigerated sliced and transported for a park picnic. The delicious crunchy buttery crust, smooth basil, ricotta, Parmesan base and plump summer heirloom tomatoes make this savoury pie worth making. It is drizzled with olive oil and finished off with salt and pepper to taste and basil garnish. This tart is perfectly balanced with a variety of textures and complementary flavours.

If you give this recipe a shot, make sure to post up your creation on Instagram and tag @tastetoronto and @travelandmunchies!

Ingredients

Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup ice water

Filling

2 cups ricotta
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup basil leaves
2 teaspoons lemon zest
3 garlic cloves, smashed
1 egg
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Kosher salt, to taste

Assembly

1 pound heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
Flakey sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Heirloom Tomato and Ricotta Tart

5 Steps

Step 1

Make the crust: In a large bowl, stir together the flour, cheese and salt. Add the butter, tossing with your fingers to smash each piece into the flour. Stir in the water and knead until a dough forms.
Step 2

Transfer to a generously floured work surface and roll into a 14-inch round. Brush off the excess flour and drape the round over an 11-inch tart pan, making sure the dough is flush with the pan. Press a rolling pin across the top of the tart pan to trim any excess dough. Chill for at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Step 3

Meanwhile, make the filling: In a food processor, purée all the filling ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
Step 4

Dock the dough by poking it all over with the tines of a fork. Line the dough with foil and fill with baking beans or pie weights. Bake until puffed and lightly golden along the edges, 15 minutes. Remove the weights and foil, and continue to bake until the bottom of the crust is lightly golden, 10 minutes more. Remove and let cool.
Step 5

Assemble the tart: Pour the filling into the tart shell and smooth with an offset spatula. You may not have to use all the filling in the tart because the tart may be too shallow. Start with about half of the ricotta filling and see how far up the tart crust comes. Remember as you layer tomatoes, the ricotta filling will continue to move up the crust and your're trying to avoid any overflow. Layer the tomatoes in a concentric circle over the filling. Drizzle with olive oil then season the tomatoes with flakey salt and pepper. Bake until the tomatoes are wilted and the filling is set, 30 minutes. Let cool completely.