A tartine is just a fancy way of saying “open-faced sandwich.” Think of it as a blank canvas of bread, ready to be piled high with deliciousness.
And when it comes to simple, satisfying, and showcasing-summer’s-best flavor, nothing beats a tomato tartine. The bright, juicy tomatoes shine on crusty bread, making for a quick and easy lunch or light dinner.
We’re going to dive into two tasty approaches: a fresh tomato tartine for when you want something quick and vibrant, and a roasted tomato version for a deeper, richer flavor. Get ready to find your new favorite tomato tartine recipe!
Fresh Tomato Tartine
This recipe is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients, so let’s start with the tomatoes.
Prepping the tomatoes
If you can, buy organic tomatoes for the best flavor and to avoid pesticides. Choose tomatoes that look and smell good. You want them to be ripe but not mushy.
Here’s a little trick: Bruise the tomatoes. Bruising them before you slice them can enhance their flavor.
Wash the tomatoes in cold water with a splash of vinegar for a few minutes to make sure they’re clean.
Toasting the bread and assembling the tartine
I like to use sourdough bread as the base for this tartine. It’s sturdy and has a great flavor that complements the tomatoes.
Toast the bread in a hot skillet. Once it’s toasted, rub it with a half clove of garlic. This adds a subtle garlicky flavor that’s amazing.
Now for the fun part: assembly. Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on the toast. Then, arrange the sliced tomatoes on top and drizzle with balsamic glaze. So simple, so good.
Roasted Tomato Tartine
Roasting tomatoes is the key to this recipe. The process brings out their sweetness and gives them a rich, almost jam-like texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Roma tomatoes work particularly well for roasting. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Halve or quarter your tomatoes, depending on their size.
- Toss the tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for approximately 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
To assemble the tartine:
- Toast a slice of your favorite bread.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard and then a generous layer of ricotta cheese.
- Top with the roasted tomatoes, gently pressing them into the ricotta.
Tomato Tart with Garlic and Capers
This recipe is all about creating a quick, easy, delicious tomato tart with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect dish when you want something flavorful and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
The peppery crust
The crust comes together in a flash. It’s a simple mix-and-press affair that’s ready in minutes. The unique thing about this crust is its peppery bite, almost like a Cheez-It or a fancy Dorito. The ingredients you’ll need are:
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Polenta or cornmeal
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Sugar
- Pepper
The tomato filling and assembly
For the filling, small tomatoes are key. Slice them thinly and don’t be afraid to mix in different varieties like Sungolds, cherry, or grape tomatoes for a vibrant mix of colors and flavors. Thin slices of raw garlic and salty capers add a delicious punch.
Bake the tart at 375°F (190°C) until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the tomatoes are softened and bursting with flavor. Enjoy!
Summary
Whether you prefer a burst of fresh flavor or the rich, comforting taste of roasted tomatoes and melted cheese, there’s a tomato tartine for you.
Quick and easy to prepare, tartines make a great light lunch, a simple dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients! Try different cheeses, herbs, and other toppings to create your own signature tomato tartine recipe.