Delight in the Flavors of the Mediterranean with a Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart with Thyme
Embark on a culinary journey to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean with a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart with Thyme is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavors. Imagine the sweetness of ripe tomatoes paired with the creamy tang of goat cheese, all nestled on a golden, buttery crust, and brought to life with the aromatic touch of fresh thyme. This recipe promises to deliver a slice of Mediterranean bliss right to your table.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer for your next dinner party or a comforting meal to enjoy on a quiet evening, this tart is versatile and sure to impress. Read on to discover how to bring this Mediterranean masterpiece to your own kitchen.
The Story Behind the Tart
The Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart with Thyme is a dish with roots that delve deep into the heart of Mediterranean cuisine. Inspired by the rustic tarts of Provence, this recipe embodies the region’s love for fresh, seasonal produce and the art of pastry making. The combination of tomatoes and goat cheese is a classic Provençal pairing, often found in the region’s traditional tarte à la tomate.
My personal connection to this dish began during a sojourn in the charming town of Aix-en-Provence, where the local markets overflow with the ripest tomatoes and the creamiest chèvre. Each bite of this tart takes me back to those sun-drenched afternoons, savoring the simple pleasures of French country cooking. The addition of thyme not only infuses the tart with its distinctive Mediterranean flavor but also pays homage to the herb-scented breezes of the French countryside.
The beauty of this Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart with Thyme lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Ripe, juicy tomatoes are essential—they are the heart of this dish. The goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the sweet tomatoes, while the thyme provides a subtle, earthy note that ties everything together. The puff pastry base offers a buttery canvas for these vibrant flavors, resulting in a dish that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
Mastering the Tart Technique
Creating the perfect Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart with Thyme is about understanding the nuances of each ingredient and the steps that transform them into a harmonious whole. Let’s delve into the method with some expert tips to elevate your tart to new heights.
Perfecting the Puff Pastry: The foundation of our tart is the puff pastry. For a flawless base, ensure your pastry is completely thawed but still cold to the touch. This makes it pliable yet firm enough to handle without tearing. Roll it gently on a floured surface to avoid sticking, aiming for an even thickness. The scored border not only creates a beautiful frame for your filling but also allows the edges to rise and puff magnificently. Remember to prick the center with a fork to prevent over-puffing where we want our filling to be the star.
Building Flavor Layers: The sautéed garlic and thyme-infused tomatoes are more than just a filling; they’re the flavor core of the tart. Cook the tomatoes just until they start to soften and release their juices, which will intensify in the oven. The thyme should be fresh, as it imparts a more potent aroma and taste than dried varieties. When layering the goat cheese, distribute it evenly to ensure every bite is a perfect balance of creamy cheese and tangy tomato.
Baking to Perfection: The final bake is crucial. You’re aiming for a golden, crisp edge and a melted, slightly browned topping of goat cheese. Keep an eye on the oven, as the line between perfectly baked and overdone is fine. If the edges brown too quickly, tent the tart with foil to protect it while the center finishes cooking.
Variation: Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
For a sweet and savory twist, add caramelized onions to the tart. Slowly cook sliced onions until they’re golden and jammy, then layer them beneath the tomato mixture. The sweetness of the onions complements the tangy goat cheese beautifully.
Variation: Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart
If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, sun-dried tomatoes are a wonderful alternative. Their concentrated flavor pairs well with the goat cheese, and they add a chewy texture to the tart. Rehydrate them in olive oil or use them straight from the jar for an intense tomato flavor.
Variation: Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Tart
Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant make excellent additions to this tart. Roast the vegetables beforehand to bring out their natural sweetness, then layer them with the tomatoes and goat cheese for a heartier dish that’s still true to its Mediterranean roots.
Substituting with Style
While the classic ingredients of this tart are recommended, there are substitutions that can accommodate different tastes or dietary needs without compromising the Mediterranean essence of the dish.
Filo for Puff Pastry: For a lighter, crispier base, filo dough can replace puff pastry. Layer the sheets, brushing each with olive oil, for a flaky, delicate crust that’s a nod to the Greek variation of this tart.
Feta for Goat Cheese: Feta cheese, with its crumbly texture and salty tang, is a great alternative to goat cheese. It’s a staple in Greek cuisine and will bring a different but equally delicious flavor profile to the tart.
Herb Variations: While thyme is traditional, other herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary can be used to infuse the tart with different aromatics. Each herb will transport your taste buds to different landscapes of the Mediterranean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the tart ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the tart a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat in the oven before serving to ensure the pastry is crisp.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh? Fresh thyme is preferred for its flavor, but if unavailable, use 1/3 the amount of dried thyme.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to goat cheese? Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives can be used for a dairy-free version.
Can I add protein to this tart? Certainly! Try adding slices of prosciutto or anchovies for a salty, savory addition.
Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart with Thyme
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Skillet
- Knife
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 30 g All-purpose flour for dusting
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz goat cheese crumbled
- 1 egg egg beaten for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a 10x14-inch rectangle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Score a 1-inch border around the edge of the pastry with a knife, being careful not to cut all the way through. Prick the center of the pastry all over with a fork.
- Brush the border of the pastry with beaten egg. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and press down the center of the pastry if it has puffed up.
- While the pastry is baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes are just starting to break down. Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle half of the goat cheese over the baked pastry base within the scored border. Top with the tomato mixture, then sprinkle the remaining goat cheese on top.
- Return the tart to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the goat cheese is slightly golden and the pastry is crisp.
- Let the tart cool for a few minutes, then garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm.
Notes
