Italian tart

Italian Cheese and Caramelized Tomato Tart

Prepare a delicious Italian cheese tart, a recipe that combines intense flavors, creamy texture, and a stunning appearance, perfect for impressing family or friends. This tart is ideal as an appetizer or even as a main dish, making it a tasty choice for any special occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 375 g of flour
- 240 g of butter (preferably unsalted, at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of dried basil
- 5 tablespoons of yogurt (choose a richer yogurt for a smoother texture)
- A pinch of ground cumin (optional, but adds an interesting flavor)

For the cheese filling:
- 200 g of mozzarella (preferably soft, crumbled or grated)
- 200 g of mascarpone
- 470 g of ricotta
- 100 g of parmesan (grated)
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of dried basil
- ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary
- ¼ bunch of fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 3 heaping tablespoons of flour

For the topping:
- 5 medium tomatoes, sliced thick
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- ¼ cup of Marsala wine (or Ovid's tear, a sweeter wine)
- 4-5 sun-dried tomatoes (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 egg yolk for brushing the crust

Recipe Overview

The Italian cheese and caramelized tomato tart is a recipe that blends the characteristics of a classic Italian dish with modern innovations. This tart is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that combines the intense flavors of cheese with the sweetness of tomatoes. It's an excellent choice for a weekend meal or a dinner with friends, sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

1. Preparing the crust:
Start by making the tart dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour with salt, dried basil, and cumin. Add the diced butter and mix with your fingers or a mixer until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Add the egg, olive oil, and yogurt, then knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is important as it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

2. Preparing the caramelized tomatoes:
Meanwhile, slice the tomatoes into thick rounds. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the tomato slices. Let them cook for 3 minutes to caramelize slightly. Add the basil and rosemary, then drizzle with Marsala wine. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Once the tomatoes are ready, remove them from the skillet and let them drain in a colander. You can place them on a plate and let them cool.

3. Preparing the cheese filling:
In a large bowl, mix the cheeses: mozzarella, mascarpone, and ricotta using a mixer. Add the eggs and flour, then season with salt, pepper, basil, and rosemary. Don’t forget to add the chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor.

4. Assembling the tart:
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a sheet of parchment paper with a rolling pin until you achieve an even thickness. Use the plastic wrap to help transfer the dough into the tart pan. Make sure the edges are well pressed and prick the surface with a fork to prevent puffing.

Pour the cheese filling into the tart pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the grated parmesan on top and arrange the caramelized tomato slices. If you like sun-dried tomatoes, now is the time to add them.

Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, brushing them with the egg yolk for a golden color when baked.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the tart for about 50 minutes or until the surface is golden and the filling is well cooked. Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing to set properly.

Useful Tips and Tricks

- Choosing the cheeses: Use high-quality cheeses for better flavor. Fresh mozzarella and homemade grated parmesan provide an authentic taste.
- For extra flavor: You can add some black olives or toasted hazelnuts to the cheese filling for a crunchy texture.
- Vegetarian option: This tart is already vegetarian, but you can add vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a more rustic touch.
- Serving: The tart can be served warm or cold, alongside a fresh green salad or a tomato salad with basil. A bottle of semi-dry white wine pairs perfectly with this dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 400 kcal
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 12 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as goat cheese or cheddar, depending on your preferences.

2. Can the tart be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the tart before baking. Make sure it is well covered to prevent freezer burn. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

3. Is there a gluten-free option?
You can use gluten-free flour for the crust, but make sure to use cheeses that do not contain gluten as well.

Conclusion

This Italian cheese and caramelized tomato tart is a versatile and delicious recipe, perfect for adding a touch of flavor to your meals. By experimenting with ingredients and presentation, you can transform each dish into a culinary masterpiece. So gather your friends and family, prepare this tart, and enjoy unforgettable Italian flavors!

 Ingredients: Tart crust: 375 g flour, 240 g butter, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, a pinch of basil, 5 tablespoons of yogurt (preferably full-fat), 1 pinch of ground cumin. Composition: 200 g mozzarella, 200 g mascarpone, 470 g ricotta, 100 g parmesan, 2 eggs, salt to taste, pepper, a pinch of basil, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, 1/4 bunch of parsley, 3 heaping tablespoons of flour, 5 thickly sliced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup Marsala wine (can be replaced with Ovidiu's tear, which is a sweeter wine), 4-5 sun-dried tomatoes (optional), 1 egg yolk for brushing the crust.

 Tags:  cheese tart