Heirloom Tomato and Olive Tapenade Tart

by Feli Chic'Cuisine

The Tomatoes Olive Tapenade Tart is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Its flaky, buttery pie crust perfectly complements the salty filling of green olives, anchovies, and capers. The tartness of Heirloom tomatoes adds a touch of sweetness, making every bite a true culinary pleasure. To enhance its appeal, a sprinkling of fragrant basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil add a finishing touch. Not only is this tart a treat for the taste buds, but the vibrant colors of the tomatoes also make it visually appealing.

What's even better is that this tart is incredibly easy to make. No need for complicated techniques or elaborate ingredients. Simply assemble the ingredients, spread the fragrant tapenade filling over the flaky crust, and arrange those vibrant Heirloom tomatoes on top. The result is a visually stunning masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Prepare to be captivated by the Tomatoes Olive Tapenade Tart—a delicious, inclusive, and visually stunning culinary experience that celebrates the flavors of nature while accommodating various dietary preferences.

A Delightful Tart for all - Vegans or Vegetarians

Indulge in the delightful Tomatoes Olive Tapenade Tart, a culinary masterpiece suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. The secret lies in a few simple modifications. By opting for a butter-free pastry and replacing the anchovies with sun-dried tomatoes, this tart becomes an inclusive delight for all.

The flaky crust remains just as irresistible, but now it is crafted without the use of butter, ensuring a vegan-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. As for the filling, the salty punch of anchovies is replaced by the rich and savory essence of sun-dried tomatoes, allowing everyone to relish the tart's exquisite flavors.

With these modifications, the Tomatoes Olive Tapenade Tart becomes a versatile culinary creation, accommodating a wider range of dietary preferences. Vegetarians and vegans alike can revel in the combination of the buttery crust, brimming with the salty tang of green olives and capers, harmonizing beautifully with the sweetness of Heirloom tomatoes.

Heirloom Tomato and Olive Tapenade Tart by Feli Chic'Cuisine

What are Heirloom Tomatoes?

Heirloom tomatoes are a variety of tomatoes that have been passed down through generations of gardeners and farmers. Unlike commercially produced tomatoes that are bred for uniformity, durability, and extended shelf life, heirloom tomatoes are treasured for their unique flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse shapes.

These tomatoes are typically open-pollinated, meaning they are pollinated by natural mechanisms like wind, insects, or birds, allowing for a wider genetic diversity. They come in a range of sizes, from small cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak varieties. Heirloom tomatoes often exhibit a more diverse color palette compared to conventional tomatoes, with hues of red, pink, yellow, green, purple, and even black.

One of the most notable features of heirloom tomatoes is their exceptional taste. They are celebrated for their rich, sweet flavors that can vary greatly from one variety to another. Some are known for their juiciness and balanced acidity, while others have a complex, almost fruity taste. The diversity of flavors and textures among heirloom tomatoes adds to their appeal for chefs, food enthusiasts, and gardeners.

Due to their delicate nature and shorter shelf life compared to hybrid or genetically modified tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes are often found at farmers' markets, specialty grocery stores, or grown in home gardens. Their uniqueness and flavors make them a sought-after ingredient for salads, sandwiches, sauces, salsas, and, of course, as a key component in dishes like the Tomatoes Olive Tapenade Tart.

What is Tapenade?

Tapenade is a savory spread or condiment that originates from the Mediterranean cuisine, particularly from Provence, France. It is made primarily from olives, capers, anchovies, olive oil, and various seasonings. The ingredients are combined and crushed or blended together to create a flavorful paste-like consistency.

The key ingredient in tapenade is olives, which are typically black or a combination of black and green olives. These olives contribute a rich, briny flavor to the tapenade. Capers, which are small pickled flower buds, add a tangy and slightly salty taste. Anchovies, commonly included in traditional tapenade recipes, lend a depth of umami and saltiness to the mixture.

To create tapenade, the olives, capers, anchovies, and often garlic and herbs like thyme or basil, are finely chopped or processed until they form a cohesive paste. Olive oil is then added gradually to bind the ingredients together and provide a smooth texture.

Tapenade is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways. It can be spread on crusty bread or crackers as an appetizer or snack. It can also be used as a flavorful topping for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. Additionally, tapenade can be incorporated into pasta dishes, salad dressings, or as a component in sandwiches and wraps, adding a burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste.

With its savory, briny, and herb-infused flavors, tapenade brings a delightful and robust taste to dishes, adding a touch of the Mediterranean to your culinary creations.

Prepare The Tapenade

Prepare The Tart

Prep.time : 25 mins

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 55 mins

Serves: 8

Ingredients

For the Crust

1 x (375g) Ready-rolled Pie Crust (Shortcrust Pastry) - Recipe here:

For the Tapenade

350g green olives, pitted
4 anchovy fillet in oil
2 tablespoons capers
2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Topping

Heirloom tomatoes: red, yellow and green: Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Black Krim, Mortgage Lifter, Green Zebra, Jaffa etc. - sliced
extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
Handful fresh basil leaves to decorate

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350)°F.

Prepare The Tapenade

2. In a food processor place the olives, anchovies, capers, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice, and pulse until blended or until you reach your desired texture.

To Assemble the Tart

3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use it to line a 23 cm (9-inch) flan tin. Press the dough into the pan so it fits tightly. Press the dough into the tin so it fits tightly.

4. Pour the tapenade filling into the tart shell and smooth with an offset spatula. Layer the tomatoes in a concentric circle over the filling. Drizzle with olive oil, then season the tomatoes with black pepper.

5. Bake the tart for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry borders are crisp and the tomatoes are wilted. Let cool completely. Garnish with basil, then slice and serve. It is delicious!