Roasted Tomato & Cheddar Tart

As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it's time to transition our spring recipes into summer favourites. One dish that perfectly embodies this shift is the Roasted Tomato and Cheddar Tart. This savoury tart combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, all encased in a crisp pastry shell. It's a dish that is both comforting and light, making it the perfect addition to any summer gathering or picnic.

For the creation of this delightful Roasted Tomato and Cheddar Tart, a selection of fresh and flavourful ingredients is essential. Begin by sourcing the following:

Ingredients

500g of plump cherry tomatoes, which will form the juicy, sweet base of your tart.

320g sheet of ready-made shortcrust pastry, should be chosen for its quality and buttery texture, offering a crisp and satisfying base.

150g of finely grated cheddar cheese, selected for its sharpness and ability to melt beautifully, creating a rich and creamy texture when combined with the other ingredients.

1 egg and 250g cream cheese, these elements work in harmony to bind the filling, ensuring a smooth and decadent consistency.

A pinch of mustard powder, to enhance the cheese flavours.

Seasoning is key, so ensure you have ample salt and pepper to taste.

As you gather these ingredients, consider the quality and freshness, especially of the tomatoes, as these will significantly influence the overall flavour and presentation of your tart. With all ingredients at hand, you're now ready to embark on creating this summery delight.

Method

1. Commence your tart creation journey by warming your oven to a cosy 180°C, establishing the perfect environment for pastry baking. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, gently unfold the shortcrust pastry, rolling it out to match the dimensions of your chosen tart tin with precision. Carefully lay the pastry over the tin, ensuring it snugly fits into all the nooks and crannies. With a keen eye, trim any overhanging edges to achieve a neat finish, worthy of any bakery window.

2. Now to the task of preparing your cherry tomatoes for the tart filling, a step that imbues the dish with its signature summer flavour. Begin by slicing the cherry tomatoes in half, exposing their vibrant interiors. Arrange these halves with the cut side facing up on a baking tray, ensuring they are spread out evenly to allow for uniform roasting. Gently coat the tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, which will not only aid in roasting but also bring out the natural sugars within the tomatoes, enhancing their flavour. Carefully season each tomato half with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper, according to taste. This seasoning step is crucial, as it will amplify the tomatoes' sweetness while balancing their natural acidity, creating a depth of flavour that will resonate throughout the tart.

3. Place the tray in the preheated oven, allowing the tomatoes to slowly roast. This process should take approximately 20-25 minutes, during which the tomatoes will soften, their edges might curl slightly, and their flavours concentrate, achieving a slight caramelisation that adds a complex layer of taste. Keep a watchful eye on the tomatoes during this time to ensure they do not char excessively, as this could impart a bitter taste to your tart.

This roasting process is key to unlocking the tomatoes' full potential, transforming them from simple garden produce to a rich, flavourful component of your tart. It's these roasted tomatoes that will later be layered into your pastry shell, bringing a juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy element to the final dish, perfectly complementing the sharpness of the cheddar cheese and the creamy custard filling.

4. In a bowl, diligently whisk the egg, cream cheese, mustard powder 3/4 of your grates cheddar together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This creamy concoction is then carefully poured within the pastry shell, promising a rich and velvety texture upon baking.

5. Next, arrange the roasted cherry tomatoes atop this custard base. Their roasted edges and concentrated sweetness will now play a pivotal role in the tart's flavour profile, providing bursts of summer in every forkful. Ensure the tomatoes are evenly distributed, allowing every slice of the tart to be adorned with these ruby gems.

6. Finalise the assembly by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese over the tomatoes. This not only adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness but also guarantees a beautifully bronzed and bubbling top once baked.

This process of layering ingredients ensures each component of the tart maintains its distinct texture and flavour, coming together harmoniously in the oven. The interplay of the crisp pastry, the creamy custard, the sweet tomatoes, and the sharp cheddar encapsulates the essence of summer dining, setting the stage for a culinary experience that celebrates the season's bounty.

7. Slide your tart into the preheated oven, where it should remain for a period of 35 to 40 minutes, or until you observe the filling firmly set and the cheese atop taking on a golden, bubbling appearance. Upon removal, it’s advisable to allow the tart a brief period to cool, just enough so it’s warm to the touch. This slight pause makes it easier to handle and enhances the flavours, allowing them to meld together more cohesively.

When it comes to slicing, aim for neat wedges, ensuring each piece carries with it an equal share of the tart’s layered treasures - from the crisp base and soft, rich filling, to the tangy tomatoes and melted cheddar crust.

Ideal for serving either warm, which allows the cheese to remain slightly molten and inviting, or at room temperature, to fully appreciate the blend of flavours. This adaptability makes the Roasted Tomato and Cheddar Tart a commendable choice for a variety of summer occasions, be it a leisurely lunch, a garden party, or as part of a more elaborate dinner spread. Its simplicity, paired with the depth of flavour, promises a dish that's both satisfying and a visual treat, embodying the spirit of summer on a plate.

Accompanying this delightful tart, a leafy salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette acts as the perfect counterbalance, its sharpness and acidity cutting through the richness of the dish. For those seeking a more robust meal, consider pairing it with grilled poultry or fish, each option lending its own unique textures and flavours to the ensemble. Venturing into variations, the inclusion of caramelised onions offers a sweet depth, while the addition of roasted red peppers introduces a smoky dimension, each alternative bringing its own character to the tart. Experimenting with different types of cheese, such as a mature Stilton or a soft goats' cheese, can also dramatically transform the tart's profile, catering to diverse palates and occasions. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, encouraging culinary creativity and ensuring that it remains a staple in your summer repertoire.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*