Homemade Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Tart: An Easy & Impressive Vegetarian Delight
Welcome to a culinary journey that promises both simplicity and sophistication! This Homemade Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Tart is a true showstopper, yet surprisingly easy to create. Imagine a vibrant, savory tart that effortlessly elevates any meal, whether it’s a casual breakfast, a delightful brunch, or an elegant dinner party. This impressive vegetarian quiche, featuring a delicate olive oil crust, creamy goat cheese, and deeply flavorful roasted red peppers, is designed to be both delicious and incredibly accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
The beauty of this tart lies in its straightforward preparation. While the name “Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Tart” might conjure images of intricate techniques, we’re here to demystify it. The process is streamlined, from the quick-to-make olive oil tart dough to the minimal effort required for the rich, flavorful filling. It’s a recipe that delivers maximum impact with minimum fuss, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire for any occasion.
Why This Savory Tart Will Become Your New Favorite
This roasted red pepper and goat cheese tart isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Its vibrant colors and robust flavors make it a delightful centerpiece. The combination of sweet, smoky roasted red peppers with the tangy, creamy goat cheese creates a harmonious balance that is both comforting and exciting. Encased in a tender, flavorful olive oil crust, this tart offers a delightful texture contrast that will have everyone reaching for a second slice.
The Simplicity of the Olive Oil Tart Dough
One of the true marvels of this recipe is the olive oil tart dough. Forget complicated pastry techniques and endless chilling times. This dough comes together in about 5 minutes in a food processor, requiring minimal handling. Its olive oil base not only adds a wonderful subtle flavor that perfectly complements the filling but also makes the dough incredibly pliable and easy to work with. Once prepared, it chills quickly in the refrigerator, ready for assembly in no time. This simple yet effective crust means you can achieve a professional-looking tart without the usual pastry-making stress.
Mastering Roasted Red Peppers: Fresh vs. Jarred
The star of our tart is undoubtedly the roasted red pepper. Roasting transforms ordinary bell peppers into sweet, smoky, and intensely flavorful jewels. While preparing them from scratch adds an unparalleled depth of flavor and a touch of gourmet flair, we understand that time is often of the essence. Roasting red peppers involves charring them under a broiler until the skin blisters and blackens, then steaming them in a covered bowl to loosen the skin, making them easy to peel. This process concentrates their natural sweetness and infuses them with a beautiful smoky aroma that is truly irresistible.
However, if your schedule is packed, don’t hesitate to use high-quality jarred roasted red peppers. They are a fantastic shortcut that will still deliver a delicious tart. Just make sure to drain them well and perhaps give them a quick sauté with a little garlic and olive oil to enhance their flavor even further before adding them to the tart. While homemade is always a treat, convenience can also lead to culinary success!
Versatility for Any Meal: Breakfast, Brunch, or Dinner
This tart is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a variety of meal times. Serve it warm for a hearty breakfast, ideal for a weekend gathering. It makes an excellent addition to any brunch spread, complementing both sweet and savory dishes. For dinner, pair it alongside a crisp, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying meal. Its elegant presentation also makes it perfect for entertaining guests, leaving them impressed with your culinary skills.
Endless Filling Possibilities
While the classic roasted red pepper and goat cheese combination is a winner, the beauty of this tart lies in its adaptability. The basic egg and crust structure serves as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are just a few ideas to spark your inspiration and allow you to customize this tart to your liking:
- Spinach and Feta: Sautéed spinach mixed with salty feta cheese provides a Mediterranean twist.
- Roasted Tomato and Basil: Sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and perhaps a sprinkle of mozzarella for a fresh, summery flavor.
- Asparagus and Goat Cheese: Blanched asparagus spears with goat cheese make for an elegant spring tart.
- Grilled Zucchini and Mozzarella: Thinly sliced grilled zucchini, fresh mozzarella, and a hint of oregano for a smoky, cheesy delight.
- Mushroom and Thyme: Sautéed mixed mushrooms with fresh thyme and Gruyere cheese for an earthy, rich profile.
- Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese: Sweet caramelized onions paired with pungent blue cheese for a sophisticated flavor.
- Broccoli and Cheddar: Steamed broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese for a family-friendly classic.
- Sweet Potato and Sage: Roasted sweet potato cubes with fresh sage and a touch of nutmeg for a comforting autumn tart.
Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables, different cheeses, and your favorite herbs and spices to create a unique tart every time. The possibilities are truly endless!
The Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Tart
Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Tart
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Ingredients
Olive Oil Tart Dough:
- 1½ cups (180g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (4g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup (60 mL) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large egg, plus 1 large yolk
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) water
Roasted Peppers:
- 4 medium red bell peppers roughly 2 lbs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- 1 garlic clove thinly sliced
Tart Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- 10 ounces soft goat cheese crumbled
- roasted red peppers see recipe above
Instructions
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Lightly grease a 10 or 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Set aside.
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Olive Oil Savory Dough: Combine the dry ingredients in food processor. Pulse until well mixed. Add the olive oil, whole egg, egg yolk, and water. Pulse until the dough forms a shaggy ball. Do not over mix.
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Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface, dust with flour, and press into a ½-inch rectangle. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough into a thin disc – roughly 10 to 11 inches in diameter, depending on your tart pan size.
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Transfer dough to the greased tart pan, pressing the dough into the edges to form the tart shell. Trim any overhanging dough. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator with you prepare the roasted peppers.
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Prepare Peppers: Preheat the oven broiler to high. Place the bell peppers on a foil-lined half sheet pan and slide under the broiler. Allow the peppers to char completely on all sides, rotating them with tongs several times. Transfer the roasted peppers to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and allow to cool until they’re comfortable to touch. Peel the peppers and discard the stems and seeds. Slice into strips and place in a bowl with the olive oil, sliced garlic, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Allow the peppers to marinate while you assemble the tart.
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Assemble and Bake Tart: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with a rack in the center position. Set aside a half sheet pan.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper until smooth.
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Remove the tart shell from the fridge and the crust with half of the crumbled goat cheese. Add a layer of roasted red peppers. Repeat with another layer of crumbled goat cheese and the remaining peppers. Pour the egg mixture into the crust. Set the tart pan on the half sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is baked through.
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Place on a wire rack and allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve tart warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success and Storage
To ensure your Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Tart turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: For a tender crust, mix the olive oil dough only until it just comes together. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough crust.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial. It allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll, and prevents the crust from shrinking too much during baking.
- Evenly Distribute Filling: When layering the goat cheese and roasted peppers, try to distribute them as evenly as possible. This ensures every slice has a balanced flavor and texture.
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Baking the tart on a preheated sheet pan helps to conduct heat directly to the bottom crust, ensuring it gets beautifully crisp and cooked through, preventing a soggy bottom.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the tart to cool for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the filling to set completely, resulting in clean, beautiful slices.
Storage and Reheating
This tart is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual slices in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also gently warm them in a microwave, though the crust may lose some of its crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! The olive oil tart dough can be made and chilled for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. The roasted peppers can also be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Once assembled and baked, the tart is excellent the next day, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.
Is this tart gluten-free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour in the crust. However, you can easily adapt it by using a store-bought gluten-free pie crust or a homemade gluten-free savory tart dough recipe.
Can I use different cheeses?
While goat cheese adds a unique tangy creaminess, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. Feta, Gruyere, Parmesan, or even a sharp cheddar would work well, depending on the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Consider how the cheese will melt and how its flavor will interact with the peppers.
What if I don’t have a food processor for the dough?
You can mix the dough by hand! Simply combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Then, add the wet ingredients and mix with a fork or your hands until a shaggy ball forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
This Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Tart is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy simple, flavorful, and impressive vegetarian cuisine. Its ease of preparation combined with its versatile nature makes it a dish you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy the process of creating this beautiful tart, and savor every delicious bite!