Tart with tomatoes, eggplants, and goat cheese

Tomato, eggplant, and goat cheese tart – a delicacy that combines the fresh flavors of vegetables with the creaminess of cheese, offering a perfect dish for an elegant dinner or a savory lunch. In this captivating recipe, I will show you step by step how to prepare these delicious tarts, so you can impress anyone who tastes them.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

*For the shortcrust pastry*
- 430 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 100 ml lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon fructose
- 80 g sour cream (homemade sour cream is recommended for an authentic taste)
- 80 g yogurt
- 120 g butter (at room temperature)
- 30 g flour (for mixing with butter)

*For the filling*
- 60 g goat cheese
- 12 cherry tomatoes (or any other preferred tomatoes)
- 50 g sun-dried tomatoes (in oil for extra flavor)
- 4 slices of eggplant (boiled or roasted, according to preference)

The story behind the recipe

This recipe inspired by traditional tarts is a perfect example of how vegetables and cheese can create a symphony of flavors. The tart has always been a beloved dish, being versatile and easy to adapt to available ingredients. Moreover, it is an ideal dish to bring friends or family together around the table.

Preparing the dough

1. Start by placing the flour (430 g) in a large bowl. Add the fresh yeast (25 g) and the fructose (1 tablespoon) dissolved in the 100 ml lukewarm water. Mix gently and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes until bubbles form on the surface of the yeast. This step is essential to ensure good rising of the dough.

2. In another bowl, combine the sour cream (80 g) and yogurt (80 g). Add this mixture to the flour with the yeast and start kneading the dough. You will notice that at first, the dough will be very soft, but don’t worry, it’s normal.

3. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling

4. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mash the goat cheese (60 g) with the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (50 g) until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. You can also add a little salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cut the cherry tomatoes (12 pieces) in half and prepare the eggplant slices, which you can fry or roast for a pleasant texture.

Shaping the tarts

6. After the dough has risen, soften the butter (120 g) a little, then mix it with the 30 g of flour. On the work surface, sprinkle 20 g of flour and gently knead the dough. Roll it out into a sheet about 1 cm thick.

7. Evenly distribute the butter and flour mixture over the entire surface of the dough. Use the folding technique: cut each side of the rectangular dough into 2, then overlap the opposite pieces. This step will create delicious layers in your dough.

8. Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. It is important to give it time to cool so that you achieve a flaky texture.

9. After an hour, take the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out again, cutting out 4 circles to fit the tart pans. Make sure the pans are greased with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Filling the tarts and baking

10. Fill each tart with the goat cheese and sun-dried tomato mixture. On top, place a slice of eggplant and a teaspoon of goat cheese. Add 3 cherry tomatoes on each tart for an extra splash of color and flavor.

11. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tarts in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and crispy.

Serving and suggestions

12. Serve the tarts warm, alongside a green arugula salad, slices of goat cheese, and fresh cherry tomatoes. This combination will add a delicious contrast to the rich flavor of the tarts.

Tips and variations

- If you want to try a vegan version, you can replace the goat cheese with a mixture of tofu and spices to achieve a similar texture.
- Substitute cherry tomatoes with bell peppers or mushrooms for a different filling.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for an even more intense flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to check the instructions on the package to adjust the amount.

2. How can I tell if the dough is well risen?
A well-risen dough will have a fluffy texture and will have doubled in volume.

3. What other ingredients can I add to the filling?
You can experiment with olives, spinach, or other vegetables you love.

Nutritional benefits

These tarts with tomatoes, eggplant, and goat cheese are not only delicious but also nutritious. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health. Eggplants are a good source of fiber and vitamins, while goat cheese provides protein and calcium. These tarts are an excellent choice for a healthy and balanced meal.

I invite you to try this recipe and share the result with your loved ones! Each bite will bring together flavors and textures that turn every meal into a celebration. Cooking is an art, and these tarts are a perfect example of the creativity and joy we can bring to the kitchen!