Eggless Tomato Tarts Recipe
Description:
Eggless Tomato Tarts are a delightful dish where the star of the show is the rich, vibrant flavor of ripe tomatoes, complemented by the creamy tang of goat cheese. With a crisp, buttery pastry crust that holds everything together, these tarts are the perfect combination of light, savory, and fresh. The addition of paprika gives a subtle smokiness to the dough, while a sprinkle of dried thyme and optional mustard greens provide a burst of herbaceous freshness. These tarts make an excellent light lunch or a fantastic addition to a picnic spread. Serve them on their own or alongside a fresh, green salad for a truly satisfying meal.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 400 grams |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida), for dusting | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter (Salted), cut into cubes and chilled | 200 grams |
| Paprika powder | 1 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chilled water | 1/2 cup (you may not require all of it) |
| Cherry tomatoes (or Heirloom Tomatoes) | 4 tomatoes, sliced |
| Goat Cheese | 1/3 cup, crumbled |
| Dried Thyme Leaves (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard greens (optional) | 1/4 cup |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pastry Crust:
Start by combining the all-purpose flour and paprika in a large mixing bowl. Add the chilled butter and, using your fingertips, rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky, buttery texture. -
Form the Dough:
Gradually add chilled water, a couple of tablespoons at a time, just until the dough starts to come together into a ball. Take care not to overwork the dough. If you prefer, you can use a food processor for this step, but I find it’s best done by hand to keep the dough light and airy. -
Chill the Dough:
Once the dough forms, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. If the dough hasn’t firmed up after this time, chill it for longer. The dough should be firm to the touch but not so hard that it’s difficult to work with. -
Roll Out the Dough:
After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to approximately 3mm thickness. Carefully lift the rolled-out pastry and gently press it into the base and sides of a tart tin. -
Pre-bake the Crust:
Trim any excess dough from the edges and patch any cracks with the remaining dough. Return the prepared crust to the fridge and chill for another 15 minutes. This step helps the pastry maintain its shape during baking.Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Use a fork to prick the base of the pastry all over, then line it with baking paper and fill with baking beans, rice, or pie weights to prevent the crust from rising during baking. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is slightly golden. Remove it from the oven, and carefully take out the baking paper and weights.
-
Assemble the Tarts:
While the crust is cooling, slice the cherry or heirloom tomatoes thinly. Arrange the tomato slices in an even layer in the tart shells. Sprinkle dried thyme over the tomatoes, and add crumbled goat cheese generously on top. -
Final Bake:
Place the tart back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften, and the cheese slightly melts. If desired, sprinkle mustard greens on top for an added fresh, peppery flavor. -
Serve:
Once the tarts are golden and the tomatoes have softened, remove them from the oven. Serve the Tomato Tarts warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat. Pair them with a refreshing smoked tofu and grilled vegetable salad for a perfect vegetarian lunch or dinner.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains the following allergens:
- Gluten (from All Purpose Flour)
- Dairy (from Butter and Goat Cheese)
If you need to make the recipe dairy-free or gluten-free, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour and use a dairy-free butter alternative as well as a vegan cheese option like cashew cheese or vegan goat cheese.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat or fish products.
- Eggless: This recipe is entirely egg-free, making it an excellent choice for those who follow an eggless diet or have egg allergies.
Tips and Suggestions
- Customizing the Toppings: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as feta or mozzarella, if you prefer a different flavor.
- Freshness Is Key: For the best results, use the freshest tomatoes available, as they are the star ingredient of this dish. Heirloom tomatoes are particularly flavorful and visually stunning.
- Herb Variations: While dried thyme is optional, other herbs like basil or oregano can add a unique twist. Try fresh herbs for an even bolder flavor.
- Make Ahead: The tart dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze the dough for up to a month—just allow it to thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
Conclusion
Eggless Tomato Tarts are a wonderful way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, and their buttery, flaky crust offers the perfect balance to the tangy goat cheese. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a vegetarian option for lunch or dinner and is versatile enough to be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it on its own or as part of a larger meal, these tarts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them with a fresh salad or any of your favorite accompaniments for a delightful meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
