Herbes de Provence Tarte

Description and History

The Herbes de Provence Tarte is a delightful savory pie that hails from the southern region of France. Known for its aromatic blend of herbs, this tart captures the essence of Provence in each bite. Traditionally, Herbes de Provence is a mixture of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, and lavender. These herbs grow abundantly in the Mediterranean climate, and their combination brings a distinctive flavor to any dish.

Historically, pies like the tarte have been prepared using local and seasonal ingredients, reflecting the richness of the region's agriculture. With its textured crust and savory filling, the Herbes de Provence Tarte is perfect for any occasion, from a light lunch to a sophisticated dinner party.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 2 cups
• Cold butter - 1/2 cup, cut into cubes
• Ice water - 1/4 cup
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Eggs - 3 large
• Heavy cream - 1 cup
• Herbes de Provence - 2 tablespoons
• Crumpled goat cheese - 1 cup
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons

Preparation

Making the Pastry

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Add butter to the flour mixture, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Drizzle in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough holds together without being sticky.
4. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. Whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and Herbes de Provence.
2. Stir in the goat cheese and garlic until well combined.

Cooking Process

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter.
2. Transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it into the sides and trimming the excess.
3. Chill the lined pan in the freezer for 10 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking.
4. Blind bake by lining the tart shell with parchment paper and filling it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake for another 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Remove the tart shell from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fill the shell with the prepared herb filling and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. Use a cooking timer to monitor this.

How to Enjoy

Let the Herbes de Provence Tarte cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing, as this helps the filling to settle. Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with a crisp salad and a glass of chilled white wine to complement the aromatic herbs. Enjoy the flavors of Provence in every bite, and delight in sharing this quintessentially French experience with your loved ones.

The Herbes de Provence Tarte is also excellent as leftovers and can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated in the oven. It stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.