Tarte Provençale

Introduction to Tarte Provençale

The Tarte Provençale is a culinary delight hailing from the Provence region of France, known for its rich and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. This savory tart combines the vibrant tastes of sun-ripened tomatoes, sweet onions, and the aromatic herbes de Provence, all resting atop a flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a light lunch or a sumptuous appetizer, this dish embodies the essence of Provençal cooking, emphasizing fresh ingredients and simple preparation methods.

The Provençal region, situated in southeastern France, boasts a warm climate perfect for growing the fresh produce featured in this recipe. It's no wonder that such regions inspire recipes bursting with flavor and color. Tarte Provençale epitomizes the gastronomic treasures of Provence, merging simplicity and taste in every delightful bite.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry - 1 sheet
• Tomatoes - 3 medium
• Onions - 2 medium
• Garlic - 3 cloves
• Herbes de Provence - 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Gruyere cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to fit a standard tart pan.
3. Place the pastry into the tart pan, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess.
4. Prick the base with a fork to prevent it from rising excessively.
5. Slice the onions and tomatoes into thin rounds. Finely chop the garlic.

Cooking Method

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Spread the onion and garlic mixture evenly over the puff pastry base.
4. Arrange the tomato slices on top of the onion mixture.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with herbes de Provence.
6. Top with shredded gruyere cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the edges of the tart are crispy.
8. Use a timer to ensure optimal baking time.
9. Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Tarte Provençale warm, ideally accompanied by a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled rosé, which perfectly complements the tart's flavors. This tart can be enjoyed as a light main course or as part of a broader spread of Provençal dishes, making it versatile for any occasion.

Whether you're hosting a summer al fresco lunch or a cozy dinner indoors, the Tarte Provençale delivers both in taste and presentation, leaving your guests longing for seconds.