Tart Provençal

My Simple Provençal Tart Recipe: A Burst of Mediterranean Flavor

As a busy working mom, I always crave quick and flavorful meals. This Provençal tart perfectly fits the bill! It's bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors and surprisingly easy to make. I found some lovely tart molds at a local market and couldn't resist trying out a new recipe. This is my take on a classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The beautiful colors of the tomatoes and artichoke hearts make it an elegant dish, but the preparation is simple enough for even the most time-constrained cooks.

The best part? The ingredients are easily accessible. I usually grab everything I need at my local supermarket. This recipe is also easily adaptable; you can swap out ingredients based on what's fresh and available. Feel free to experiment! Perhaps add some olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor. Or, if you're not a fan of mozzarella, try feta or goat cheese instead. The possibilities are endless.

The key to success with this recipe lies in using good quality ingredients. The fresh taste of the tomatoes and the creamy texture of the mozzarella really make this tart special. I find that taking the time to properly prepare the ingredients – carefully cutting the vegetables and ensuring the pastry is evenly cooked – makes all the difference in the final product. And don't forget the simple yet essential touch of fresh oregano – it brings all the flavors together beautifully.

One of the most enjoyable parts of cooking is the simple act of creating something delicious to share. The aroma of this tart baking in the oven is truly irresistible. The wonderful thing about this recipe is that it’s a perfect balance of preparation and cooking time. You can get most of the chopping and assembling done ahead of time, then simply pop it in the oven while you attend to other tasks. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights!

Serving the tart is just as effortless as making it. I love to pair it with a crisp green salad for a light and refreshing meal. The tart’s rich flavors pair incredibly well with the simple greens, creating a wonderfully balanced dining experience. A light vinaigrette dressing perfectly complements the tart's taste profile.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this Provençal tart recipe is a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. It's a delicious, adaptable dish that is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let me know what you think! I'm confident it will become a new favorite.

A Tip for Busy Weekdays: Prepare the filling the night before. Store it in the refrigerator and simply assemble and bake the tart when you're ready.

Variations:

• Add other vegetables: roasted peppers, zucchini, spinach.
• Use different cheeses: feta, goat cheese, parmesan.
• Experiment with herbs: basil, thyme, rosemary.
• Make individual tarts: perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer.

Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Cut rounds of pastry to fit molds (8)
• Butter and flour the molds and place pastry into them and prick with a fork
• Cook without filling for about 10 mins at 180 degrees
• Cut the artichoke hearts into 4. Need one tin for 4 tartelets. Cut up tomatoes and put a layer over the artichoke.
• In a bowl beat one egg with 20 cl of liquid crema. Add salt and pepper and add 2 pinches of oreganum.
• Spread evenly on the four tarts. Cut up a ball of mozzarella in small squares. Place on tarts.
• Wash 6 cherry tomatoes. Put 3 half tomatoes on each tart and put in oven for 10-15 mins.
• Serve hot with a green salad.