How to Create a Savory Ratatouille Tart
Do you love the idea of combining fresh vegetables with delicious pastry for a flavorful dish? Then a savory ratatouille tart is the perfect recipe to try! This dish combines the vibrant flavors of classic ratatouille—a traditional French vegetable stew—with the delicate crunch of a flaky tart crust. It’s easy to make and looks so impressive that it’s sure to wow your family, friends, or dinner guests.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a comforting yet healthy meal, this recipe is a great choice. Let’s get started on making this beautiful, tasty tart!
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these ingredients:
For the tart crust:
– 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– ½ cup (115g) cold butter, cut into cubes
– 2–4 tablespoons ice-cold water
– ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
– 1 medium zucchini
– 1 medium yellow squash
– 1 medium eggplant
– 1 large tomato
– 1 red bell pepper
– 1 small onion
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
For assembling the tart:
– ½ cup (120g) ricotta cheese or cream cheese (optional)
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese (optional)
– Extra olive oil for brushing
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust
Start by making the crust. This part takes a little effort, but it’s worth it for the homemade taste!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the butter forms small, pea-sized bits within the flour.
- Slowly add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix gently until the dough comes together. Don’t overwork it! Once it holds its shape, form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
While your tart dough is chilling, prepare the ratatouille vegetables.
- Wash and slice the zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, tomato, and bell pepper into thin rounds. Try to make them about the same thickness so they’ll cook evenly. Set aside.
- Dice your onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant (around 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle some flour onto your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll the dough into a circle about 12 inches wide. This should fit nicely into a standard tart pan.
- Carefully transfer the dough to your tart pan, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess hanging over. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up in the oven.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, just until slightly firm but not fully cooked.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
Now comes the fun part: layering the vegetables into the crust!
- If you’re using ricotta or cream cheese, spread it evenly on the bottom of the crust. This adds extra creaminess but is optional.
- Arrange the vegetable slices in a circular pattern, starting from the outer edge and working inward. Alternate slices of zucchini, tomato, squash, eggplant, and bell pepper to create a pretty, colorful design.
- Sprinkle the sautéed onion and garlic evenly over the vegetables.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Your tart is almost ready to enjoy!
- Bake the assembled tart in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes. The vegetables should be tender, and the edges of the crust should be golden brown.
- If you’re adding shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Once done, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Carefully remove the tart from the pan and slice it into wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Final Tips
- Customize the veggies: Feel free to swap or add vegetables such as mushrooms or cherry tomatoes. Use what’s fresh and available in your kitchen.
- Store leftovers: If you have any left, cover and refrigerate the tart. It tastes great reheated or even cold the next day.
- Perfect for entertaining: This tart is ideal for potlucks or dinner parties because it’s visually stunning and pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Making a ratatouille tart is simpler than it sounds, even for beginner cooks. With its flaky crust and flavorful veggies, this dish is both beautiful and satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade comfort food with a French-inspired twist! Bon appétit!
