Roasted Tomato Tart With Ricotta and Pesto

By Alexa Weibel

Updated August 4, 2019

  • Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
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Total Time
1 hour
Rating
5(4,551)
Comments
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Save those wider-than-tall, about-to-burst tomatoes for slicing and showering with flaky sea salt. For this recipe, you want smaller, sturdier varieties like kumato, Campari or petite heirlooms. Brushing the uncooked puff pastry with crème fraîche adds a subtle tanginess that you won’t necessarily notice, but the tomatoes will taste better for it. You might be tempted to skip salting your tomatoes, but don’t: It helps prevent a soggy crust while intensifying the flavor of your tomatoes. This tart is best enjoyed straight out of the oven, at its flaky prime, but it’s also great at room temperature, or even cold, devoured directly from the fridge.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 4 small, multicolored tomatoes, such as heirloom, kumato or Campari (about 12 ounces total), sliced crosswise ¼-inch thick

  • Kosher salt and black pepper

  • 1 sheet packaged puff pastry, thawed (about 7 ounces) 

  • 3 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream

  • ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced

  • Aleppo pepper or red-pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

  • ¾ cup fresh ricotta

  • Store-bought or homemade pesto, for drizzling

  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

31 grams carbs; 31 milligrams cholesterol; 526 calories; 14 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 10 grams saturated fat; 37 grams fat; 3 grams fiber; 596 milligrams sodium; 10 grams protein; 1 gram sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. Set the sliced tomatoes on top in a single layer. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Use it to season the tomatoes evenly on both sides, cover with another paper towel and let sit, 15 minutes, allowing the salt to draw moisture out of the tomatoes.

  2. Step 2

    As the tomatoes sit, heat the oven to 400 degrees and set a rack in the middle of the oven. Working on a large sheet of parchment paper, roll out the puff pastry into a 9-by-11-inch rectangle, trimming any uneven edges. Prick the inside with a fork every few inches, leaving a ½-inch border. Using a pastry brush, coat the center of the puff pastry with the crème fraîche, leaving the border unbrushed.

  3. Step 3

    Working within the border, layer the tomatoes and red onion on top of the tart, allowing them to overlap slightly. Transfer to a sheet pan and bake, rotating halfway through, until puff pastry is browned and puffed, 30 to 35 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Sprinkle tomatoes with Aleppo pepper, if using. Dollop with fresh ricotta. Thin pesto with olive oil until it reaches the proper consistency for drizzling; drizzle on top of tart to taste. Top with basil, if using, and serve warm or at room temperature.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
4,551 user ratings
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Comments

SK

Greek yogurt works well in place of crème fraîche or sour cream

CAA

I made this tonight and it was easy and delicious. Helps to thin the pesto with good olive oil. Didn’t have Aleppo pepper, but smoked paprika hit the spot.

Lori

I made this twice, both times with tomatoes from my organic garden. First as written and it was sort of bland. The second time I brushed the tomatoes with my homemade tomato jam and added some toasted pine nuts. So much better!

lisa

I made this today for lunch for visiting family. Beat expectations. The thing I love is this could be a lunch entree, appetizer for entertaining or dinner entree served with a salad. And it transitions to room temp very well. Just wonderful. I made the recipe as is, except that I added a little finely shredded Parmesan before baking. The Aleppo pepper was a good add. I happened to have it on hand. I used whole milk ricotta and was surprised how delicious room temperature ricotta was. I usually bake it. The cooking time was a little long for my oven. I baked for 30 before I checked it, and the crust was darker than I wanted. Still good.

Jess

I admittedly made some changes but this was a good starting point for me. I took the ricotta and added a sliced clove of garlic and a little bit of the evoo, chopped basil and thyme, grated Romano cheese, lemon zest and salt. I spread that on the pastry dough leaving a 1” border. I prepared the tomato slices as recommended and layered them on top of the ricotta and sprinkled on the sliced red onion. Baked 30-40 mins. Topped with more fresh basil, thyme and Aleppo pepper. It was delicious and got raved reviews.

Nancy

I always make a recipe as written. And this is a winner!! So easy and delicious. I did add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and so yummy. With or without the balsamic will be making again. I bought the DuFour puff pastry. Worth the money.

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