This Quick and Easy Tomato Puff-Pastry Tart is a Savory Summer Meal

Photo bySeasons and Suppers

There's nothing better than a quick summer meal that features juicy Heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil. This simple rustic recipe uses puff pastry in place of pie dough, so you don't need to bother making a crust from scratch.

You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it, so it's a good recipe to make ahead for get togethers--or you can bake it immediately and enjoy a flavorful vegetarian supper. Tarts originated in the South of France and are considered a comfort-food staple there, not just a meal for special occasions.

The mix of mozzarella, Parmesan and Swiss cheeses in this tart blend perfectly with the sweet sauteed onions, while the flaky pastry base provides a crunchy contrast. The colorful array of red and yellow tomatoes, green basil and golden brown pastry also looks beautiful.

Tomato Puff Pastry Tart

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter

2 large sweet onions

2 Heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick

1 sheet thawed puff pastry

1 cup grated Swiss cheese

1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then add the onions. Add in salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium-low heat until the onions are soft and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
3. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray and unroll the puff pastry onto the paper. Pierce the puff pastry with a fork a few times.
4. Add a layer of the cooked onions followed by a layer of the mixed cheeses.
5. Slice the tomatoes to medium thickness and blot with paper towels to soak up as much moisture as possible. Layer the tomatoes onto the tart.
6. Bake the tart for about 30-35 minutes. Tomatoes should look roasted with darkened spots and the crust should be golden brown.
7. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes. Add the basil on top of the tart and drizzle with a little olive oil

Notes

Be sure to use a heavy, solid baking sheet.

You can vary the cheeses, as well as the fillings. Try different types of tomato, add olives or use shallots in place of the sweet onions.

To up the flavor, sprinkle a couple of teaspoons of rosemary, thyme or oregano onto the tart.

You can fold the edges of the puff pastry over part of the filling if you want an even more rustic look.