Mediterranean Veggie Tart
Description
This Mediterranean Veggie Tart is a light, flaky, and flavorful dish that combines the richness of buttery puff pastry with vibrant Mediterranean toppings. Juicy cherry tomatoes, marinated artichokes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy goat cheese come together to create a savory and refreshing tart. Finished with fresh arugula and balsamic glaze, this dish makes a perfect appetizer, brunch, or light lunch.
Ingredients
For the Tart Base:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 🥚
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced 🫒
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese 🧀
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Use a knife to score a ½-inch border around the edges (don’t cut all the way through!).
- Brush the edges with beaten egg for a golden crust.
Step 2: Pre-Bake the Pastry
- Prick the inside of the pastry with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Add Toppings & Bake Again
- Remove the pastry from the oven and gently press down the center if puffed.
- Spread the cherry tomatoes, artichokes, and olives evenly over the tart.
- Sprinkle with goat cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 more minutes, until cheese is slightly melted and edges are golden brown.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Top with fresh arugula, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Slice and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes & Tips
- Crispier Tart: For an extra crispy crust, bake the puff pastry alone for 15 minutes, then add toppings.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap goat cheese for dairy-free feta or hummus.
- Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based puff pastry and skip the egg wash.
- Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh basil for a spicy kick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Serving Size & Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approx. 4 Servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Health Benefits
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cherry tomatoes and artichokes support immune health.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Olives and olive oil provide healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Great for Digestion: Arugula and artichokes are high in fiber and prebiotics.
- Calcium & Protein: Goat cheese adds essential minerals and protein.
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes! Try feta, ricotta, or shredded mozzarella.
Q: Can I make this tart in advance?
A: Yes! Pre-bake the puff pastry, store it in an airtight container, then add toppings and reheat before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Would you like any modifications or extra details? 😊