Savory Tomato and Herb Tart
This Savory Tomato and Herb Tart combines juicy cherry tomatoes, ricotta, herbs, and Parmesan on a crisp potato-flour crust. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or entertaining, it’s a Finnish-inspired savory tart that’s easy to prepare and full of fresh flavors. Garnish with basil, parsley, or arugula for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Crust
- 4,5 dl (about 2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 dl (about 1/2 cup) instant mashed potato flakes
- 150 g (5 oz cold butter), cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.75 dl (about 1/3 cup) Turkish yogurt
Filling
- 700 g (about 2 1/2 cups) firm cherry tomatoes
- 200 g (about 7 oz) ricotta or full fat cottage cheese drained
- 100 g (3,5 oz) cream cheese, preferably plain
- 2 dl (about 3/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2.5 dl (about 1 cup) chopped fresh herbs (thyme, basil, parsley)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Egg wash
- 1 egg yolk
Garnish
- Fresh basil, parsley, or arugula parsley, or arugula
Instructions
Prepare the crust:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, mashed potato flakes, salt, and thyme. Add cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in Turkish yogurt until the dough comes together. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
Prepare the filling:
- Mix the Parmesan with ricotta (or drained cottage cheese) and cream cheese. Add the chopped herbs, season with black pepper, and adjust salt to taste.
Prep the tomatoes:
- Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Assemble the tart:
- Roll out the dough to fit a 29×37 cm (11½×14½ in) baking sheet; if your pan is slightly larger or smaller, adjust the dough thickness accordingly.
Add filling and tomatoes
- Dot the ricotta-herb mixture evenly over the crust and spread slightly with a spatula. Leave a 1.5 cm border around the edges. Arrange the cherry tomatoes cut side up on top. Fold the dough edges over the filling. Brush the edges of the crust with the egg yolk.
Bake:
- Bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool to room temperature.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or arugula. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use firm cherry tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. You can mix red, yellow, and orange varieties for a colorful presentation. If your tomatoes are very juicy, drain them slightly on paper towels to avoid a soggy tart.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs make the tart vibrant. Thyme, basil, and parsley work beautifully together, but feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand.
- Serving Suggestions: This tart is versatile. Serve it for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. It’s also great for entertaining, as it can be made ahead and served at room temperature. Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Variation: For a slightly richer flavor, you can add a drizzle of olive oil over the cherry tomatoes before baking or sprinkle a few pine nuts on top for texture.