The prosciutto and tomato tart is a savory and elegant dish that will impress your guests while being relatively simple to prepare. With its crisp puff pastry and delicate filling, it’s a perfect choice for an appetizer, a light lunch, or even an informal dinner. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, steps for preparation, as well as some tips and variations to customize your tart.
Ingredients:
- 800 g of puff pastry (about 28 oz)
- 100 g of tomato sauce (about 3.5 oz)
- 200 g of prosciutto (about 7 oz)
- 100 g of green onions (about 3.5 oz)
- 100 g of Parmesan cheese (about 3.5 oz)
- 5 g of salt (about 1 tsp)
- 5 g of black pepper (about 1 tsp)
- 5 g of sweet paprika (about 1 tsp)
- 1 buttered 22 cm (about 9-inch) loaf pan
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is crucial to ensure that the pastry cooks evenly and becomes golden and crispy.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry in the buttered loaf pan. Be sure to fit the pastry well to the contours of the pan. You can trim any excess pastry from the edges so that it’s level with the pan.
- Spread Tomato Sauce: Cover the base of the pastry with tomato sauce. Make sure to spread the sauce evenly to avoid any dry spots. A good sauce base will add moisture and flavor to the tart.
- Layer the Prosciutto: Place the prosciutto on top. For the best flavor, use high-quality prosciutto. You can tear it into pieces for a more aesthetically pleasing and flavorful distribution.
- Add Green Onions: Evenly distribute the green onions over the prosciutto. The green onions will add a touch of freshness and crunch to the preparation.
- Sprinkle Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the green onions. The Parmesan will melt and create a delicious salty crust.
- Season: Season with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika to taste. Keep in mind that both prosciutto and Parmesan are already salty, so adjust the seasoning accordingly to avoid over-salting the tart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary. The pastry should be lightly golden around the edges.
- Let Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and make cutting easier.
Tips for a Perfect Tart
- Choice of Pastry: Make sure to use high-quality puff pastry. You can make it from scratch for an even better flavor, but that requires more time and skill. A good-quality store-bought pastry works just fine.
- Variations: Feel free to add other grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a different flavor. For a Mediterranean touch, consider adding sliced black olives or artichokes.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can try other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for a creamier result.
- Pairing: Serve this tart with a light green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the flavors. A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with the dish.
- Additional Toppings: For herb lovers, adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano right before serving offers an explosion of flavors. You can also refrigerate leftovers and reheat them in the oven for a quick lunch.
Serving Suggestions
This prosciutto and tomato tart is ideal for a summer picnic, a brunch, or a light weekday meal. It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It also makes an excellent choice for a reception, as it can be cut into small portions for appetizers.
Conclusion
The prosciutto and tomato tart is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences. Whether you choose to serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, it will delight your guests with its simplicity and delicious flavors. Enjoy preparing, experimenting, and sharing it with your loved ones. Bon appétit!
