¼cupParmesan cheesegrated, plus extra for garnish (about 0.9 oz / 25 g)
1tablespoonolive oilplus extra for drizzling
1teaspoondried oregano
½teaspoonsaltadjust to taste
¼teaspoonblack pepperadjust to taste
1tablespoonDijon mustardoptional, for extra flavor
2mediumtomatoessubstitute 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 10.6 oz | 300 g)
1eggfor egg wash
1teaspoonfresh basilchopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Unroll the puff pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. If folded, gently unfold it on a lightly floured surface to prevent tearing.
Lightly score a 1-inch border around the edges using a knife, being careful not to cut all the way through. This helps the edges rise while keeping the center flat.
In a small bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth. If the mixture is too thick to spread, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk or olive oil to loosen it.
Using a spoon or an offset spatula, spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, staying inside the scored border.
For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the ricotta.
Slice the tomatoes into thin rounds (or halve cherry tomatoes) and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Arrange them in a slightly overlapping pattern over the ricotta mixture.
Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tsp of water to make an egg wash. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry for a golden, glossy finish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp, and the tomatoes have softened and slightly caramelized around the edges. If the center still looks soggy, bake for an extra 3-5 minutes.
Let the tart cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or thyme, drizzle with extra olive oil if desired, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cornstarch or flour over the ricotta before adding tomatoes to help absorb moisture.
Heirloom, vine-ripened, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully in this tart. Cherry tomatoes provide extra sweetness!
For an extra touch, you can mix in a pinch of fresh lemon zest or a small clove of garlic into the ricotta for added fragrance and depth of flavor.
To make this tart vegan, substitute the ricotta with dairy-free ricotta (you can find nut-based or tofu-based versions), and skip the egg wash, brushing the edges with olive oil instead.
You can prepare the tart ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This makes it a great option for dinner parties or gatherings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the pastry soft.