This Mediterranean Puff Pastry Tart – is a beautiful recipe that encapsulates the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean in every delectable bite. This savoury tart is a harmonious fusion of flaky puff pastry, aromatic pesto, and a colourful array of grilled or air-fried vegetables, all crowned with the creamy goodness of Feta cheese and the freshness of baby rocket leaves. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures, a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the richness of Mediterranean cuisine.
This Mediterranean Puff Pastry Tart is an ideal choice for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual weekend brunch, looking for a savoury appetizer to impress guests, or craving a comforting weeknight dinner, this versatile tart fits the bill. Its elegant yet approachable presentation makes it a fantastic addition to your repertoire for potlucks, picnics, or even a quick and flavourful lunch.
With simple preparation and cooking steps, this tart effortlessly transforms everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that can serve a crowd or provide an intimate meal for a few. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking to impress your taste buds, this Mediterranean Puff Pastry Tart promises to be a delightful and satisfying culinary adventure. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to travel on a Mediterranean flavour journey that will leave your palate singing and your guests longing for more.
Basic Ingredients for Mediterranean Puff Pastry Tart
Pesto Sauce: Pesto, with its basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, adds a burst of aromatic freshness and a savoury punch.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil not only adds richness but also enhances the overall Mediterranean flavour profile.
Puff Pastry: The buttery, flaky pastry serves as the perfect canvas for your Mediterranean masterpiece.
Zucchini and Eggplant: These vegetables provide contrasting textures and absorb the flavours beautifully when grilled or air-fried.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweet juiciness adds a refreshing element to the tart.
Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and crumbly, Feta cheese adds a delightful creaminess and saltiness.
Nigella Seeds (Optional): These tiny black seeds offer an earthy, nutty flavour and add visual intrigue.
Chili Flakes (Optional): For a subtle kick of heat and a pop of colour.
alternative ingredients
Feel free to get creative with your ingredients:
- You can use other vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or artichoke hearts.
- Try different cheeses like goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for added depth of flavour.
Preparation Tips for Mediterranean Puff Pastry Tart
- To save time, you can prepare the puff pastry, grill or air-fry the vegetables, and make the pesto sauce in advance.
- When grilling, make sure to preheat the grill pan for those beautiful grill marks.
- For an evenly baked tart, ensure that the pastry is properly thawed before use.
Serving Tips for Mediterranean Puff Pastry Tart
- Serve the tart warm or at room temperature to fully savour its flavours.
- A drizzle of extra olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving can enhance the presentation.
- Garnish with additional rocket leaves to add a burst of colour and freshness.
storage tips
Refrigerate: After the tart has cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat the tart, place it on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until it is heated through, and the pastry is crispy again.
Freeze: If you have leftovers that you won’t be able to eat within 3 days, you can freeze the tart. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw and reheat: To thaw the frozen tart, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven following the instructions above.
Avoid microwaving: While it may be tempting to microwave the tart for a quick reheat, this can cause the pastry to become soggy and the filling to become unevenly heated.
Mediterranean Puff Pastry Tart (Full Video)
Mediterranean Puff Pastry tart
Ingredients
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 large sheet, frozen ready puff pastry
- 1 large zucchini, cut into slices
- 1 large eggplant, cut into thin slices
- 100 g baby rocket
- 100 g feta cheese
- nigella seed, (optional)
- chili flakes, (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C. Line 1 baking tray with baking paper.
- There are two types of cooking vegetables.
- By Grilling: Heat a grill pan. Brush zucchini with olive oil and cook for 1 min on each side or until lightly grilled. Brush the eggplant with olive oil and cook for 1 minute on each side or until lightly grilled.
- By Airfrying: Drizzle the zucchini with olive oil and season with salt and pepper and toss until well coated. Airfry for about 7-10 minutes at 200c. Do the same with the eggplant.
- Place a pastry sheet on the lined tray. Fold the edges to create a border.Evenly spread the pesto sauce over the pastry bases. Top with the zucchini and eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. Spread some egg wash on the side adding nigella seed and top with chilli flakes. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, top with some baby rocket and a drizzle with olive oil.
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