Roasted Garlic and Tomato Parmesan Tart
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup finely grated fresh Parmesan, plus 1/2 cup shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening
- 3 to 5 tablespoons ice water
- 1 large egg white, lightly beaten with 2 teaspoons water
- 3 large, ripe tomatoes, about 11/2 pounds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup Roasted Garlic Puree, recipe follows
- 3 tablespoons fine, dry breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chiffonade of fresh basil
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Tomato Water, recipe follows, optional
- Fresh basil sprigs, for garnish
1. Combine the flour, grated Parmesan, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt into a large mixing bowl. Incorporate the butter and shortening into the dough, using a pastry blender or a fork, until pea-sized pieces form. Add the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together, being careful not to over mix.
2. Form the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to rest for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
4. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Fold dough in half and place into a 10-inch fluted tart pan. Unfold dough and press gently into the bottom and sides of the tart pan, trimming off excess dough as needed. Line the dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake crust for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove the crust from the oven and brush with the egg white wash while still warm. Set aside to cool.
5. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
6. Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices and lightly season on both sides with salt and pepper and set aside. Spread the garlic puree evenly over the bottom of the tart crust. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the garlic puree. Arrange the green onions, tomatoes, and chopped basil in the tart pan. Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the tops of the tomatoes. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the Parmesan with the mayonnaise and spread evenly over the top of the tart. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake until the tomatoes are wilted and the top of the tart is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire cooling rack for 10 minutes. Remove the tart pan ring and cut into wedges. Serve tart on a bed of tomato water, if desired. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs and serve immediately.
Makes 6-8 servings, Difficulty: Intermediate