Perfect for long lazy lunches, this Mediterranean summer vegetable tart is made with a crisp, rough pastry shell, brimming over with sweet tomatoes, salty olives, and crunchy peppers, with just a hint of chilli. The whole thing is complimented by my zesty lemon cashew ricotta.
Pre-heat your oven to 200°C (400°F/gas mark 6), and line a 25 cm x 20 cm (10" x 8") baking tray or 25 cm (10") round pie dish with silicone parchment or a silicone mat.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt, and then rub the butter or margarine into the flour mix until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. (note 4)
Add the cold water, and mix everything together with a fork until you have a soft dough.
Lightly dust your work surface, turn the dough out, and gently roll out until it fits the pie dish/baking tray.
Transfer to the pie dish, prick the bottom of the dough, line with silicone parchment paper, and weigh down with some baking beans (or dried beans!).
Bake in the centre of the oven for around 20 minutes, until the pastry is firm, and has turned a deeper brown colour.
Once cooked, remove from the oven, remove the parchment and baking beans, and set aside to cool a little.
Prep the filling:
Cut the tomatoes in half and put into a large mixing bowl.
Remove the seeds and pith from the peppers, and cut into long slices. Place into the bowl with the tomatoes.
Add all of the olives to the bowl, along with the basil, oregano, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
Mix together with your hands, making sure everything is coated.
Pile everything into the pie crust, and scatter the sprigs of savory over the top.
Return to the centre of the oven, and bake for 15 mins or so.
For the ricotta:
Mix the lemon juice and zest with the ricotta, and set aside.
To finish:
Once the tart is done, remove from the oven, and sprinkle over the chilli flakes and torn sorrel leaves.
Serve with a spoonful of lemon ricotta and your favourite salad.
Notes
Wholewheat flour.
I used one red and one white but it's entirely up to you which ones you use.
You can use rosemary instead of savory, or even thyme.
My mother-out-law has a pastry blender, which I use when I visit her - it's a great little gadget, especially if you're like me, and don't like getting stuff under your fingernails. I keep meaning to buy one for myself!