Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pancetta and Leek Tart with Tomato?
It is a savory breakfast or brunch dish featuring crispy pancetta, leeks, and tomatoes in a flaky pie crust with a creamy custard filling.
What type of crust is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a refrigerated pie crust that is unrolled and fitted into a tart pan.
What is the first step in preparing the crust?
You must preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and fit the crust into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
How do I blind-bake the tart crust?
Line the crust with nonstick foil, fill it with dried beans or pie weights, and bake for 20 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be for the final bake?
After blind-baking the crust, reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
How is the pancetta prepared?
Cook the sliced pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crispy, then remove it with a slotted spoon.
How many drippings should I save after cooking the pancetta?
Discard all but 1.5 tablespoons of the pancetta drippings to use for sautรฉing the leeks.
How do I prepare the leeks for the tart?
Chop the white and light green parts of the leek and sautรฉ them in the pancetta drippings for about 5 minutes.
When should the fresh thyme be added?
Stir the chopped fresh thyme into the sautรฉed leeks, then combine them with the cooked pancetta off the heat.
How much cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese.
What is a good substitute for Gruyere cheese?
Swiss cheese can be used as a substitute for Gruyere.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for the filling?
The plum tomatoes should be seeded and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
What is the first layer inside the pie shell?
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly over the bottom of the cooled pie shell.
What are the layers of the tart filling?
The layers consist of cheese on the bottom, followed by the pancetta and leek mixture, and then the sliced tomatoes.
What ingredients are in the egg custard?
The custard is made from 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of half-and-half, salt, and pepper.
How do I mix the custard?
Whisk the eggs, cream, half-and-half, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth.
How long does the tart bake once assembled?
Bake the tart for 30 minutes or until the custard is set.
How do I check if the tart is done?
The tart is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is lightly browned.
Should the tart cool before serving?
Yes, let the tart cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
What is a good side dish for this tart?
A side salad is highly recommended to complement the savory flavors of the tart.
Can this tart be served for brunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a sumptuous breakfast or brunch gathering.
How many plum tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 3 plum tomatoes.
Is the pie crust homemade?
The recipe suggests using a refrigerated pie crust for convenience.
What type of pan is required?
A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom is recommended for easy serving.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling has a creamy, custard-like texture combined with the bite of crispy pancetta and tender leeks.
How many eggs are needed for the custard?
Three large eggs are needed for the recipe.
What part of the leek should be chopped?
Only the white and light green parts of the leek should be chopped and used.
Where do I put the remaining half cup of cheese?
Top the tart with the remaining half cup of cheese before placing it in the oven.
What makes the tart elegant for occasions?
The combination of gruyere cheese, fresh herbs, and a flaky crust makes it suitable for special breakfast gatherings.