Gourmet Roasted Vegetable Torte with Goat Cheese
This exquisite Gourmet Roasted Vegetable Torte makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any table. A beautiful arrangement of vibrant vegetables layered in a cake-like fashion not only pleases the palate but also dazzles the eyes. The addition of creamy goat cheese creates a rich, savory layer that elevates this dish to gourmet status. Serve it with a delicate basil vinaigrette drizzled on top for a fresh touch. Perfect for preparing ahead of time, this dish can be made the day before, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Each slice reveals mesmerizing layers of roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, making it an impressive dish for gatherings or festive occasions.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 (cut into 1/4 inch slices)
Red Onion
1 (cut in half lengthwise and sliced)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Olive Oil
to taste (for sautéing and brushing)
Kosher Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh Ground Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Red Bell Peppers
2 (halved, cored, and seeded)
Yellow Bell Peppers
2 (halved, cored, and seeded)
Eggplant
1 (unpeeled, cut into 1/4 inch slices (about 1 1/2 pounds))
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (for layering)
Goat Cheese
1 layer (optional) (to be placed in the center (optional))
Basil Vinaigrette
to drizzle (optional) (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2
In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini, red onion, and minced garlic, sautéing for about 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
3
On a baking sheet, brush the red and yellow bell peppers and eggplant slices with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast them in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until softened but not browned.
4
In a 6-inch round cake pan, begin arranging the vegetables in a single, overlapping layer. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper between the layers.
5
Start with half of the eggplant slices, followed by half of the sautéed zucchini and onion mixture, then layer all of the roasted red bell peppers, followed by all of the roasted yellow bell peppers. Repeat with the remaining sautéed zucchini and onion, and top with the rest of the eggplant slices.
6
Cover the top of the layered vegetables with a round of parchment paper or wax paper. Place a 6-inch flat disk (another cake pan or the bottom of a false-bottom tart pan) on top and weigh it down with a heavy jar. Set it on a plate or baking sheet to catch any drips, and refrigerate until completely chilled.
7
Once chilled, drain any excess liquid and carefully invert the torte onto a serving platter. Serve at room temperature, drizzled with basil vinaigrette if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gourmet Roasted Vegetable Torte?
It is an exquisite, cake-like arrangement of layered roasted vegetables including zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, often enriched with goat cheese.
What are the primary vegetables used in this recipe?
The main vegetables used are zucchini, red onion, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, and eggplant.
How should I prepare the zucchini and eggplant?
Both the zucchini and eggplant should be cut into 1/4 inch slices. The eggplant should remain unpeeled.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long do I need to roast the eggplant and bell peppers?
The eggplant and bell peppers should be roasted for 30 to 40 minutes until they are softened but not browned.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for preparing a day in advance as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while chilling.
What role does goat cheese play in this dish?
Goat cheese is an optional ingredient that can be placed in the center layer to add a rich, creamy, and savory element to the torte.
How do I sauté the zucchini and onion?
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the zucchini, red onion, and garlic for about 10 minutes until tender.
What size pan is recommended for assembly?
A 6-inch round cake pan is the recommended size for layering the vegetables.
What is the specific layering order?
Start with half the eggplant, then half the zucchini mixture, followed by all red peppers, all yellow peppers, the remaining zucchini mixture, and finally the rest of the eggplant.
How do I ensure the torte holds its shape?
Cover the vegetables with parchment paper, place a flat disk on top, and weigh it down with a heavy jar while refrigerating.
Should the torte be served hot or cold?
The torte should be refrigerated until completely chilled and then served at room temperature.
What seasoning is suggested between the layers?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper should be sprinkled between the layers.
How do I serve the torte after chilling?
Drain any excess liquid and carefully invert the torte onto a serving platter.
What can I drizzle on top for extra flavor?
A delicate basil vinaigrette is recommended for a fresh touch when serving.
Is the eggplant peeled for this recipe?
No, the eggplant is used unpeeled to help the slices maintain their structure.
How much eggplant is required?
You will need approximately 1 1/2 pounds of eggplant, which is typically one large eggplant.
Can I substitute the red onion?
While red onion provides a specific flavor and color, you could use yellow onion or shallots as a substitute if needed.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it consists entirely of vegetables and cheeses.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is specifically recommended for seasoning the vegetables.
How many bell peppers are needed?
You will need two red bell peppers and two yellow bell peppers.
What is the preparation for the bell peppers?
The bell peppers should be halved, cored, and seeded before roasting.
Why is it important to weigh down the torte?
Weighing it down compresses the layers, ensuring the torte stays together and creates a beautiful presentation when sliced.
Can I use a different type of cheese than Parmesan?
While Parmesan is recommended for its saltiness and texture, other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano could be used.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Is the garlic sautéed or roasted?
The garlic is minced and sautéed with the zucchini and red onion.
Does this dish have a high ingredient count?
The recipe utilizes 12 specific ingredients to achieve its gourmet flavor profile.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be cut in half lengthwise and then sliced.
Can this be served at a party?
Absolutely, its eye-catching layers and gourmet status make it an impressive dish for gatherings or festive occasions.
What happens to the excess liquid?
The excess liquid should be drained off after the chilling process and before inverting the torte onto a platter.