Savory Caramelized Tomato Tarte Tatin
This Savory Caramelized Tomato Tarte Tatin takes the classic French dessert and gives it a deliciously savory twist. Featuring a buttery puff pastry crust atop a rich layer of caramelized red onions, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny kalamata olives, this dish is perfect for a cozy gathering or a light lunch. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors that will impress your guests and family alike. This tart is not just a feast for the palate; it’s a beautiful centerpiece for any table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Puff pastry
14 ounces (thawed (1 sheet))
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Red onions
3 medium (halved and sliced thin)
Sugar
1/4 cup (plus a pinch)
Sherry wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon
Kalamata olives
1/4 cup (pitted and chopped)
Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
1 1/2 pints
Fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (minced (or 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme))
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, unfold the puff pastry and cut out a 10-inch disc. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it back in the refrigerator to stay cool.
2
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced red onions along with a pinch of sugar. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. If the onions start to stick, add a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan and scrape up any brown bits. Once caramelized, transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.
3
In an oven-proof 9-inch skillet, combine 1/4 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water over medium heat. Gently swirl the pan (do not stir with a spoon) until the sugar melts and transforms into an amber-colored caramel, about 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully add the sherry wine vinegar and swirl the pan again to mix. The caramel will seize up, but it will re-melt while baking.
4
Once your caramel is ready, sprinkle the chopped kalamata olives evenly over the caramel, followed by the halved cherry or grape tomatoes. Evenly distribute the caramelized onions on top of the tomatoes, and then season with minced fresh thyme (or dried thyme), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Take the chilled puff pastry disc out of the refrigerator and lay it over the filling, tucking the edges down along the sides of the skillet. Ensure to cut several vents into the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
6
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the pastry crust is puffed and golden brown. Once done, allow the tart to sit for 5 minutes to set slightly. Use a knife to run around the edges of the pastry to loosen it from the skillet.
7
Carefully flip the tart onto a large plate or pan lid and slide it onto a serving platter. Cut into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy this delicious blend of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Caramelized Tomato Tarte Tatin?
It is a savory version of the classic French upside-down pastry, featuring caramelized red onions, sweet cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives on a puff pastry crust.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for baking the tart.
What kind of pastry is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of thawed puff pastry, usually equivalent to one sheet.
How should I prepare the puff pastry?
Unfold the pastry, cut out a 10-inch disc, cover it with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the tart.
How do I caramelize the red onions?
Melt unsalted butter in a skillet, add sliced onions and a pinch of sugar, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown.
What should I do if the onions stick to the pan while caramelizing?
Add a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan and scrape up any brown bits if the onions start to stick.
How is the caramel base made?
Combine 1/4 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water in a skillet over medium heat and swirl until it turns amber-colored.
Should I stir the sugar while making the caramel?
No, you should gently swirl the pan instead of stirring with a spoon to ensure the sugar melts properly.
What happens when I add sherry wine vinegar to the caramel?
The caramel will seize up initially, but it will re-melt while the tart is baking in the oven.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are recommended; you will need about 1.5 pints, halved.
What kind of olives are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of pitted and chopped kalamata olives for a briny flavor.
In what order should I layer the ingredients in the skillet?
Sprinkle olives over the caramel first, followed by halved tomatoes, then the caramelized onions, and finally the seasoning.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh minced thyme with 1/2 tablespoon of dried thyme.
Why do I need to cut vents in the puff pastry?
Cutting vents allows steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the pastry from becoming soggy.
How long does the tarte tatin take to bake?
It takes approximately 30 minutes in the oven until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
How long should the tart rest after taking it out of the oven?
Allow the tart to sit for 5 minutes to set slightly before attempting to flip it.
How do I flip the tart without breaking it?
Run a knife around the edges to loosen the pastry, then carefully flip it onto a large plate or pan lid.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Savory Caramelized Tomato Tarte Tatin is a vegetarian dish.
How many onions are needed for the recipe?
You will need 3 medium red onions, halved and sliced thin.
What size skillet is best for this recipe?
An oven-proof 9-inch skillet is ideal for preparing the caramel and baking the tart.
How much sugar is required for the caramel?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of sugar plus an extra pinch for the onions.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is best served warm, cut into wedges, as a light lunch or a party appetizer.
Does the puff pastry need to be chilled?
Yes, keep the puff pastry disc in the refrigerator until the filling is ready to ensure the butter in the dough stays cold for a flaky crust.
What is the role of sherry wine vinegar in this recipe?
The vinegar adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the caramel and tomatoes.
Can I use other types of onions?
While red onions are specified for their flavor and color, yellow or sweet onions could be used as a substitute.
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The sugar and water mixture should transform into a rich amber-colored liquid after 5 to 7 minutes.
What seasoning is used?
The tart is seasoned with fresh or dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Is the tart served upside down?
Yes, like all Tarte Tatins, it is baked with the pastry on top and then flipped so the caramelized vegetables are on top for serving.
How do I ensure the edges are tucked in?
When laying the pastry over the filling, use your fingers or a spoon to tuck the edges down along the inside sides of the skillet.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
Expect about 20 minutes for onion caramelization, 7 minutes for the sugar caramel, and 30 minutes for baking.