Ricotta & Roasted Tomato Tart is a delicious and savory dish featuring creamy ricotta cheese paired with sweet roasted tomatoes, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust. This tart makes for a perfect appetizer, brunch dish, or light dinner option!

Ingredients

For the Tart Shell:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Flour (for dusting)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Timing

Making Ricotta & Roasted Tomato Tart takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Tart Shell

1. Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to fit a tart pan or a baking dish. Press the pastry into the pan and trim any excess.
2. Prepare for Baking: Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Brush the edges with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
3. Bake Shell: Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
2. Roast Tomatoes: In a separate bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, until they are softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

1. Spread Filling: Pour the ricotta mixture into the pre-baked tart shell, spreading it evenly.
2. Add Tomatoes: Top the ricotta filling with the roasted cherry tomatoes.
3. Bake: Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Once baked, let the tart cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or main dish!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Ricotta & Roasted Tomato Tart (per serving, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	280
Protein	9g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	24g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for extra flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Ricotta & Roasted Tomato Tart is a delightful and flavorful dish that showcases the creamy texture of ricotta and the sweetness of roasted tomatoes. This tart is versatile and can be enjoyed as a light meal or a delicious appetizer. Enjoy this delightful recipe!