Flaky Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Tart Recipe
Introduction
This Flaky Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Tart combines crisp layers of phyllo dough with a creamy, flavorful ricotta filling enhanced by fresh herbs and lemon zest. Topped with vibrant heirloom tomatoes, it’s a light yet impressive dish perfect for gatherings or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/2 stick butter or a few tablespoons olive oil for brushing dough
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2-3 tablespoons basil, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons toum (garlic sauce) or 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste
- 2-3 large heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors
- Basil for garnish
- 1 pinch sea salt to garnish tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on the parchment and brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Repeat layering and brushing with the remaining sheets until all 8 are stacked.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, chopped basil, toum or grated garlic, and sea salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Step 4: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the stacked phyllo dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Step 5: Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, checking after 15 minutes to prevent burning. Once golden and bubbly, remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.
- Step 6: Thinly slice the heirloom tomatoes and arrange them over the warm tart. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispness, use melted clarified butter instead of olive oil to brush the phyllo layers.
- If toum is unavailable, substitute with freshly grated garlic mixed into the ricotta for a milder garlic flavor.
- Try adding a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes to the ricotta mix for a subtle kick.
- Use a variety of colorful heirloom tomatoes to create an eye-catching presentation.
Storage
Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven to maintain the crispness of the phyllo. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the tart ahead of time?
You can prepare the tart assembly and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking, but for best texture, bake just before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have toum?
If toum isn’t accessible, freshly grated garlic mixed directly into the ricotta works well as a flavorful substitute.
Print
Flaky Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 32-35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Flaky Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Tart is a delightful combination of crispy phyllo layers topped with creamy, lemony ricotta mixed with fresh basil and garlicky toum sauce. Colorful heirloom tomatoes add freshness, making this savory tart perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or elegant brunch dish.
Ingredients
For the Tart Base
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/2 stick butter, melted (or a few tablespoons olive oil, for brushing dough)
For the Ricotta Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2–3 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp toum (garlic sauce) or 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
Topping
- 2–3 large heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 1 pinch sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy transfer.
- Layer the phyllo dough: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil for flavor and crispiness. Repeat by layering another sheet on top and brushing again, continuing until all eight sheets are stacked and brushed evenly.
- Prepare the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, finely chopped basil, toum (or grated garlic), and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed for a bright, herbed flavor.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the stacked phyllo sheets, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges to ensure the tart bakes evenly and the filling stays in place.
- Bake the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 17-20 minutes. Start watching closely after 15 minutes to avoid burning the delicate phyllo. Remove from oven once the tart is golden and set.
- Add the tomato topping: Transfer the tart carefully to a serving platter or a wooden board. Arrange thin slices of heirloom tomatoes on top in an appealing pattern. Season with a pinch of sea salt and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve: This tart can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any meal or occasion.
Notes
- Use either melted butter or olive oil to brush the phyllo dough depending on your preference; butter provides richness while olive oil is lighter.
- Toum is a Middle Eastern garlic sauce that adds a punch of flavor; if unavailable, use freshly grated garlic cloves as a substitute.
- Be careful when baking phyllo as it can burn quickly; keep an eye after 15 minutes and adjust time as needed based on your oven.
- Heirloom tomatoes of various colors make the tart visually stunning and add different flavor notes.
- This tart is best served soon after baking but can also taste great at room temperature, making it suitable for gatherings or picnics.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven to preserve crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17-20 minutes
- Category: Tart
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: phyllo tart, ricotta tart, heirloom tomato tart, Mediterranean tart, savory tart, herbed ricotta, garlic sauce tart
