Heirloom Tomato Tart With Basil Cream

Test Kitchen-Approved
homemade heirloom tomato tart with basil cream and fresh parmesan

Photo by Isabelle Jardin

Serves
1 (9-inch) Tart
Prep Time
35 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 20 minutes

This savory heirloom tomato tart features jammy tomatoes, a creamy basil mascarpone filling, and a crispy parmesan polenta crust. Perfect for summer lunches or easy entertaining.


Ingredients

Crust

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup coarse or medium grind polenta
  • 1 cup lightly packed finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Basil Cream

  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 juiced
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Tart

  • 2 large heirloom tomatoes (or 4 small), sliced thick
  • 2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (to finish at the end)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili flakes (optional)

Directions

For the Crust:

  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

  • Step 2

    Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add butter & gently stir until the butter melts & begins to brown (you’ll see browned bits forming at the bottom of your pan & it’ll start to smell like popcorn) remove from heat & set aside.

  • Step 3

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, polenta, parmesan cheese, sugar, salt, pepper, butter & 1-2 tbsp of water.

  • Step 4

    Mix together with a spatula or with hands until well combined.

  • Step 5

    Grab your tart pan & press the dough into the pan with your hands making sure the bottom & sides are evenly packed.

  • Step 6

    Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork (this helps it from getting soggy).

  • Step 7

    Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

  • Step 8

    Set the crust aside leaving the oven on.

For the Basil Cream:

  • Step 1

    In a container, add mascarpone, basil, salt, olive oil, garlic, parmesan & lemon juice.

  • Step 2

    Using an immersion blender, blend all ingredients together until smooth (it’s okay if the basil isn’t completely blended).

  • Step 3

    Set aside!

Assembly:

  • Step 1

    Add basil cream to the bottom of your tart & ensure it’s spread evenly.

  • Step 2

    Add in tomatoes one by one followed by your sliced garlic, capers, salt and pepper.

  • Step 3

    Finish with a bit more grated parmesan.

  • Step 4

    Bake in the oven for 55-60 minutes (allows the tomatoes to get nice & jammy).

  • Step 5

    Once cooled (about 10-15 minutes) add your chili flakes & red wine vinegar.

  • Step 6

    ENJOY!!

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