Imagine a culinary masterpiece that combines the rustic charm of French countryside cooking with a burst of summer flavors - the legendary Tarte à la Tomate! This irresistible tomato cheese pie is not just a recipe, it's a gastronomic journey that transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a mouthwatering delicacy that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched fields of Provence. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress everyone at your dining table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 200g cheese (e.g., mozzarella or goat cheese), sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even baking.
- Roll out the pie crust and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish. Gently press the crust into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Wash and slice the ripe tomatoes into thin, uniform rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which prevents the pie from becoming soggy.
- Slice the cheese into thin pieces that can be easily layered across the pie crust.
- Brush the bottom of the pie crust with olive oil to create a protective barrier that helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Begin layering the ingredients: first, create a base layer of cheese slices covering the entire bottom of the crust.
- Arrange the tomato slices in an overlapping circular pattern on top of the cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the tomatoes, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the tomatoes are slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let the tart cool for 10-15 minutes, allowing the filling to set.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving. Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. Roma or heirloom varieties work exceptionally well.
- Always pat tomato slices dry to prevent a soggy crust - this is crucial for achieving that perfect, crisp base.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère, goat cheese, or a blend for unique flavor profiles.
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, thin tomato and cheese slices to ensure even cooking.
- Let the pie rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make slicing easier.
- For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some dried herbs like thyme or oregano before baking.
- Serve with a light green salad and a crisp white wine for a complete French-inspired meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
