Mediterranean Tomato Tart - Heirloom Tomato Tapenade Tart
- felichiccuisine
- Jun 22, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: May 13
If you’re searching for a savory, vibrant, and utterly delicious tart that screams “summer,” look no further than this Heirloom Tomato Tapenade Tart.
Bursting with the bold, briny flavors of green olive tapenade and adorned with juicy, multi-colored heirloom tomatoes, this tart is a stunning centerpiece that’s deceptively simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, a garden party, or just want a light yet flavorful dinner, this tart checks all the boxes.
The tartness of Heirloom tomatoes adds a touch of sweetness, making every bite a true culinary pleasure. To enhance its appeal, a sprinkling of fragrant basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil add a finishing touch. Not only is this tart a treat for the taste buds, but the vibrant colors of the tomatoes also make it visually appealing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bold Mediterranean Flavors: The green olive tapenade, infused with anchovies, capers, and garlic, delivers a rich, salty, umami punch that perfectly complements the sweetness of heirloom tomatoes.
Visually Stunning: Heirloom tomatoes in shades of red, yellow, green, and purple make this tart a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Effortlessly Elegant: With a store-bought crust and a quick tapenade blend, this tart is easy to assemble yet looks impressively gourmet.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm, room temperature, or even chilled – it’s delicious at any temperature.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Simply omit the anchovies to make this a meat-free delight.
What are Heirloom Tomatoes?
Heirloom tomatoes are a diverse group of tomato varieties that have been passed down through generations due to their exceptional flavor, vibrant colors, and unique shapes.
Unlike commercially grown hybrid tomatoes, heirlooms are open-pollinated, allowing them to retain their distinctive characteristics over time.
Varieties such as Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, and Black Krim boast a range of colors from deep purple to bright yellow and striking green, each with its own distinct taste profile – from sweet and juicy to rich and smoky.
These tomatoes are celebrated not just for their incredible taste but also for their connection to heritage farming and sustainable agriculture.
What is Tapenade?
Tapenade is a flavorful Provençal condiment made from finely chopped olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil, often enhanced with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.
Originating from the south of France, it is named after the Provençal word for capers, “tapenas.” This rich, briny spread is typically served as an appetizer on crusty bread or crackers, but it can also be used to elevate pasta dishes, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.
While the classic version uses black olives, variations with green olives or sun-dried tomatoes are equally popular, each bringing its own distinct depth of flavor.ste.
Steps to Prepare Heirloom Tomato Tapenade Tart
Prepare the Crust:
✔ Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
✔ Lightly flour a clean surface and unroll the shortcrust pastry.
✔ Gently press the pastry into a 23 cm (9-inch) flan tin, ensuring it fits snugly.
✔ Trim excess dough and prick the base with a fork to prevent air pockets.
✔ Optional: Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes using baking paper and pie weights for a crisper base.
Prepare the Tapenade:
✔ In a food processor, combine green olives, anchovies, capers, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
✔ Pulse until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preferred texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add more lemon juice, olive oil, or a pinch of salt).
Slice the Heirloom tomatoes
✔ Heirloom tomatoes can be quite juicy. After slicing, lay them on a paper towel and lightly sprinkle with salt to draw out excess moisture.
✔ This prevents a soggy tart crust.
Assemble the Tart:
✔ Spread the tapenade evenly over the tart base using an offset spatula.
✔ Arrange the heirloom tomato slices in a concentric pattern, slightly overlapping.
✔ Drizzle with olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper.
Bake the Tart:
✔ Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the tomatoes are tender and slightly wilted.
Cool and Garnish:
✔ Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
✔ Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips for the Best Heirloom Tomato Tapenade Tart
Select Fresh, Juicy Tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe heirloom tomatoes with vibrant colors and minimal blemishes. Varieties like Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, and Green Zebra not only look gorgeous but also provide diverse flavors.
Pat Tomatoes Dry: Heirloom tomatoes can be quite juicy. After slicing, lay them on a paper towel and lightly sprinkle with salt to draw out excess moisture. This prevents a soggy tart crust.
Customize the Tapenade: If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can substitute sun-dried tomatoes for a slightly sweeter, tangy alternative.
Blind Bake the Crust (Optional): For an even crisper base, blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the tapenade and toppings.
Chill Before Slicing: Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out and to maintain its structure.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy rosé.
Serve alongside a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal.
Add a dollop of creamy ricotta or crumbled feta for extra creaminess.
Enjoy!
Here’s a lovely review from one of my readers:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A Mediterranean Delight!”
“This tart transported me to the south of France with every bite! The anchovy-infused tapenade added so much depth, and the freshness of the basil brought it all together. Perfect for summer entertaining – highly recommend!” – Sophie M.
Have you tried making this Heirloom Tomato Tapenade Tart? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Or, tag me on Instagram (@FeliChic'Cuisine) when you post your recipe creations. Let's inspire each other. Thank You!
*All Photographs on Feli Chic'Cuisine, signed Feli Chic'Cuisine are copyrighted.
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