Goat's curd tart with heirloom tomato salad

Name: Goat's curd tart with heirloom tomato salad
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1¾ cups plain flour; 150g cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1 tsp salt; 2 extra-large free-range egg yolks, whisked; 2 tbsp ice-cold water

Neil Perry

February 26, 2019

Tartlets topped with seasonal tomatoes.William Meppem

Time:2 hours +Serves:6

These velvety tarts have a delicious tang thanks to summer's tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes should be at their absolute best if summer is behaving. They will vary in form and colour, so cut them into different shapes. Use ready-made pastry if you're pressed for time and need a quick-fix meal solution.

Ingredients

For the pastry

1¾ cups plain flour
150g cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 tsp salt
2 extra-large free-range egg yolks, whisked
2 tbsp ice-cold water

For the filling

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 peeled brown onions, sliced
1 sprig of thyme
1 bay leaf
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
250g fresh goat's curd, room temperature
200g cream cheese, room temperature
2 extra-large free-range eggs

For the tomato salad

400g mixed heirloom tomatoes
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tsp aged balsamic vinegar
a handful of basil leaves

Method

Process flour, butter and salt together in a food processor, until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. While food processor is still running, add yolks, then cold water, until a dough just comes together. Form into 6 balls, wrap in cling film and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Heat oil in a saucepan over a low heat. Add onion, thyme, bay leaf and salt. Caramelise, stirring occasionally until soft and golden; this may take up to an hour. Add pepper, discard thyme and bay leaf.
Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease six 10cm-diameter tart cases. Roll out pastry on a lightly floured work surface to 5mm thick. Line cases, pressing firmly into edges and rest in fridge for 30 minutes.
Prick pastry bases with a fork, trim excess around the edges and line with foil and baking weights, like rice or beans. Place on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and weights, then bake a few minutes more until crust is golden. Remove from oven.
Process goat's curd, cream cheese and eggs with some seasoning in a food processor until smooth. Divide the onions among each pastry case, then pour the cheese filling to just below the rim. Bake for 12 minutes, or until set.
For the salad, cut tomatoes and place in a large bowl with seasoning, oil and vinegar. Tear basil leaves and mix together with the tomatoes. Marinate at room temperature while tarts are cooking.
Remove the tarts from oven and rest for 15 minutes. Serve with tomato salad.