Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Tart with Basil Pesto

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a slice of sunshine? Our tomato recipe for a Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Tart with Basil Pesto is a vibrant flavour explosion.

It's summer on a plate, trust me! It brings together the best of British baking know how with Mediterranean tastes.

Brief Overview

This Mediterranean tart recipe finds its roots in Italian rustic cooking. It's a dish meant to be shared with friends and family.

The tart itself is a medium level cooking project and will take about an hour and ten minutes from start to finish.

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

Packed with nutrients from fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta, this tart is both delicious and pretty wholesome, honestly! It’s perfect for a light lunch, garden party, or even a sophisticated brunch.

What makes this tomato and ricotta recipe special? It's the combo of sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy ricotta and the lovely pesto.

Ingredients That Will Wow You

Let's gather everything you need for this delightful culinary adventure. We're talking juicy tomatoes, creamy ricotta, fragrant basil pesto, and flaky puff pastry.

Honestly, the quality of your ingredients will really shine through in this dish, so go for the good stuff! You know?

For the Roasted Tomatoes:

-1.5 lbs ripe tomatoes, such as Roma -2 tablespoons olive oil -2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Filling:

-1 (14 ounce) container ricotta cheese -1 large egg -1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Tart:

-1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed -1/4 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade -Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Let's Get Cooking!

First, we're going to roast the tomatoes. This is where the magic happens! Roasting brings out their sweetness and intensifies their flavour.

Then, we'll whip up a simple ricotta filling and assemble the tart. Finally, it will get baked until golden brown and bubbly.

Why I Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this tart, it was for a summer picnic. Everyone raved about it! Now, it's a staple in my recipe book.

And you know what? It is the perfect Easy tomato tart recipe. I especially love using my own basil pesto tart version, because it gets so much more personal.

Honestly, the puff pastry tomato tart is a showstopper every time! It's definitely a favorite in my house. The best part? It is a total Vegetarian tomato tart recipe.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

So, you wanna make my Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Tart with Basil Pesto? Awesome! It's like a Mediterranean tart recipe come to life.

Honestly, it's easier than you think, even if it looks fancy.

Main Ingredients: The Tomato Recipe Core

Let's break down the essentials. We're aiming for that perfect summer tart recipes feel.

• Tomatoes: 1.5 lbs (680g) of ripe Roma or San Marzano. Quality is key here! The better the tomato recipe , the better the tart. Look for firm, fragrant tomatoes. The best tomatoes make the best sauce!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Extra virgin for flavour!
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds that Mediterranean touch.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . To taste, of course.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) . Freshly ground is always better.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 (14 ounce/400g) container. Whole milk ricotta is the way to go.
• Egg: 1 large . Helps bind everything together.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (30g) , grated. Adds a salty, nutty flavour.
• Nutmeg: ⅛ teaspoon (0.625ml) . A pinch goes a long way!
• Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (14.1 ounces/400g) , thawed. Shop bought is totally fine!
• Basil Pesto: ¼ cup (60ml) . store-bought or homemade. Hint : try homemade pesto .
• Olive Oil (for brushing): 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Gives the crust a beautiful sheen.
• Fresh Basil: For garnish. Optional, but pretty.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Power Ups

Okay, so the tomatoes get oregano, salt, and pepper. But for extra oomph, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes.

It adds a little kick. The ricotta filling gets nutmeg. This is key. It warms everything up. Don't skip it.

The combo of Parmesan and Pesto, really makes this vegetarian tomato tart

If you don't have oregano, Italian seasoning works in a pinch. No Parmesan? Pecorino Romano is a good sub. And if you are missing Basil? use 1 teaspoon of dried basil in the tomato mix.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need loads of fancy gear for this easy tomato tart recipe .

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large bowl
• 9 inch tart pan (removable bottom preferred). Makes life easier, I promise!
• Rolling pin (optional). Only if you wanna get really fancy with that puff pastry.

Honestly, most of this you probably already have. Let's get cooking!

Let's Make a Roasted Tomato Tart!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good tart? This Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Tart is perfect for showing off! It's proper easy but looks like you've spent ages slaving away.

It is a great summer tart recipe and so Mediterranean. Ready to pretend you're on the Great British Bake Off? Let's go! We can also make Basil pesto tart

Prep Like a Pro

• First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. This is a fancy way of saying "get everything ready." Chop your 1.5 lbs tomatoes , mince your 2 cloves garlic , and get your cheese out. Honestly, prepping is half the battle.
• Save time by using shop bought puff pastry. We're not judging! Thaw your 1 sheet puff pastry .
• Just a quick one! Be careful when using sharp knives. We don't want any kitchen mishaps. Safety first.

Baking Brilliance: step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Important .
2. Toss those tomatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil , garlic , 1 teaspoon oregano , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon pepper . Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Roast for about 30 minutes , until soft.
3. Mix 1 (14 oz) container ricotta , 1 egg , ¼ cup Parmesan , ¼ teaspoon salt , and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg .
4. Roll out your pastry and plonk it into a 9 inch tart pan . Trim the edges.
5. Spread ¼ cup basil pesto on the base. Then, dollop the ricotta mixture over it. Arrange those lovely roasted tomatoes on top.
6. Brush the pastry with 1 tablespoon olive oil . Bake for 35- 40 minutes until golden.
7. Cool a bit and serve it up warm.

Pro Tips for Tart Perfection

• Want a shortcut? Use store-bought pesto! No shame in that! Homemade Pesto is Best-o! though. This is where you can use easy tomato tart recipe .
• Watch out for a soggy bottom! Drain your ricotta if it looks watery. You know?
• You can roast the tomatoes a day ahead. Winner winner!

Why This Tomato Recipe Is The Bomb

This Roasted tomato tart is perfect because it's simple, tasty, and looks impressive. Plus, it's veggie friendly and screams "Mediterranean summer."

I used tomato and ricotta recipe last week and now I'm sharing with you. Honestly, it was so good my nan asked for the recipe.

You can even try making a puff pastry tomato tart .

Recipe Notes for Your Tomato Recipe Masterpiece

Alright, let's talk about the nitty gritty! This roasted tomato and ricotta tart isn't just a recipe; it's an experience. Honestly, after years of messing about in the kitchen, I’ve learned that the details make all the difference.

So, let's get into them, shall we?

Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Tomato Tart with Homemade Pesto !

Presentation is key, right? When this beauty comes out of the oven, you'll want to show it off. Think rustic chic.

A simple wooden board and a sprinkle of fresh basil make it look like you totally know what you are doing.

Honestly, even I am not sure...

Plating it is art, so remember that is a vegetarian tomato tart and it goes well with a light salad.

For sides, I love a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Some grilled asparagus is pretty good too. For drinks, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc would be amazing.

It cuts through the richness. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! Think of the party theme and impress them.

Storing Your Easy Tomato Tart Recipe : Top Tips

If you, somehow, don't manage to scoff the lot in one sitting - trust me, it's easily done! - here's how to keep your puff pastry tomato tart fresh.

You know, storing food it's always tricky.

Fridge time! Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Reheating is a doddle: a quick blast in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. You can microwave it.

But honestly? The oven is far better. Crispier pastry you know?

I don't recommend freezing the ricotta and tomato tart . The texture goes a bit weird when it thaws. But if you absolutely have to, wrap it well in cling film first.

Variations: Making It Your Mediterranean Tart Recipe

Food should be fun, you know? There's no need to stick to the rules. Experiment! Want to make it dairy-free? Use a plant based ricotta.

It works a treat. Honestly, you’d never know the difference.

For a bit of kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before roasting. Oh my gosh it tastes great.

Got some courgettes in the garden? Roast them alongside the tomatoes. I made that switch once. It was a brilliant change!

Nutrition Notes: The Good Stuff in Your Roasted Tomato Tart

Okay, so it’s not exactly a health food. It tastes amazing. But, hey, it's got tomatoes! They're packed with antioxidants. Think of it as a vitamin boost wrapped in pastry.

Each serving is about 350 calories . There's a decent hit of protein too, at around 15g . Just don’t eat the whole tart in one go, okay?

Right, go forth and bake! I'm sure you'll nail this summer tart recipes , and make it your own basil pesto tart .

Don't be afraid to experiment. Food is about having fun. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tomato recipe ahead of time? Like, can I be a domestic goddess and prep it the day before a party?

Absolutely! You can roast the tomatoes a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Assembling the tart the day before isn't ideal as the crust might get a bit soggy, but you can assemble up to the point of baking and keep it covered in the fridge.

Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly.

My puff pastry always seems to shrink! Any tips to stop my tomato and ricotta tart looking sad and deflated?

Ah, the dreaded puff pastry shrinkage! The key is to keep the pastry cold. Don't let it sit out at room temperature for too long before rolling it out. Also, docking the pastry (pricking it with a fork) before baking helps to prevent it from puffing up too much and shrinking.

You can even pre-bake the empty pastry case for 10 minutes before adding the filling for extra insurance. It's worth the extra effort!

I'm not a huge fan of ricotta. Can I substitute it in this tomato recipe?

Of course! You can swap out the ricotta for goat cheese for a tangier flavour that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and pesto. Or, try using a mixture of cream cheese and mascarpone for an even richer and creamier filling. Just make sure whichever cheese you use isn't too watery, as that can make the tart soggy.

Nobody wants soggy bottom!

How should I store leftover Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Tart with Basil Pesto? Can I freeze it?

Leftover tart can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap. While you can freeze it, the texture of the pastry might change slightly upon thawing, and the filling could become a bit watery. If you do freeze it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil.

Reheat in a moderate oven to crisp up the crust.

This sounds delicious, but how can I make this tomato recipe a bit healthier?

Great question! You could use whole wheat puff pastry for added fiber. Also, you can reduce the amount of ricotta slightly and add more vegetables, like spinach or zucchini, to the filling for extra nutrients.

Using a light drizzle of olive oil instead of brushing it generously on the crust is another way to cut down on fat. Remember, fresh ingredients and a balanced portion size are key!

Can I use different types of tomatoes in this tomato recipe to change up the flavor?

Absolutely! While Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are classic choices for roasting, feel free to experiment. Cherry tomatoes will add bursts of sweetness, while heirloom varieties can offer a unique depth of flavor.

Roasting different colours of tomatoes red, yellow, orange can also make the tart visually stunning, like a summer sunset on a plate. Just adjust the roasting time depending on the size of the tomatoes.