A Vegetable Tart should be on everyone’s menus. Forget the fact they are good for you. How can peppers, squash, red onions and artichokes be anything but inviting?
This is my favorite combination of veggies. I use it on flatbreads, quesadillas, and pasta – not all the same week but often.
The thing I most like about this Vegetable Tart is how easy it is to put it on the table. It can even sit in the refrigerator fully made for a day until it is heated and served. After the vegetables are sautéed, a splash of balsamic vinegar boosts their flavor while a sprinkling of hot pepper flakes leaves a nice tingle when eating.
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The crust is an easy press in with herbs, cheese and a hint of cayenne.
It can be endlessly altered by adding whatever you like fresh herbs, olives, different vegetables or cheese, whatever you like. I have given measurements but nothing is set in stone. Just remember that when you saute the vegetables, they will reduce considerably. So whether you pick them from your garden or buy them at the store, I hope you find you like this as much as I do.
Summer Vegetable Tart Crust
1 cup all purpose flour (140 grams or 5 ounces)
¾ teaspoon dried oregano
¾ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅓ cup grated asiago or parmesan cheese (35 grams or 1 ¼ ounces)
5 tablespoons butter, cold and cut into small pieces (75 grams or 2 ⅔ ounces)
3 to 4 tablespoon ice water
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Set a 9” round quiche pan with a removable bottom aside.
Combine the flour, herbs, salt, cayenne pepper, and cheese in the bowl of a processor. Pulse several times to mix. Add the cold butter and process until it is indistinguishable. Start with the lesser amount of water, pour it in a circle over the dry ingredients and process until a ball forms. If it seems a bit dry, add the remainder of the water.
Divide the pastry in half (about 145 grams each). Divide one half into half again (about 70 grams each). Take a little pastry from each of the three pieces to form a ball about the size of a walnut. Wrap in film and set aside.Roll one of the smaller pieces of dough into a 15” rope. Place it along the edge of half of the pan. Repeat with the second piece. The edges should overlap. Wet the edge of both pieces of overlapping dough and press together. Repeat on the other side. Press the edges together so no seam shows. Press the crust into the side of the pan all the way around.
Shape the larger piece of pastry into a ball, flatten it and press it into the bottom of the pan.Wet the bottom edge of the dough. Join the seam between the edge of the pan and the bottom. Prick well.
Spray a large piece of foil on the shiny side in the middle. Place that on top of the pastry in the pan. Press the edges of the foil into the edges of the crust. Fill the foil with pie weights or beans to the top.
Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and beans and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes until completely baked.
If the shell has cracked during baking, immediately upon removing from the oven use the reserved dough to patch the cracks with an offset spatula. Cool the shell.
In the meantime, prepare the filling.
Summer Vegetable Tart Filling
½ large red pepper
½ large yellow pepper
½ large zucchini
½ large yellow squash
½ red onion
2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 7.5 ounce jar marinated artichoke quarters
½ pound provolone cheese sliced into 10 pieces or grated
Crushed Red pepper flakes to taste
Cut the peppers into strips, cross cut into thirds. Cut the squash into ¼ to ⅓ inch rounds. Cut the rounds in half or 4ths. Cut the onion in ¼ inch slices and then in half.
Heat the oil in a large saute pan. Place the vegetables in the pan and saute until somewhat caramelized, stirring often. Toward the very end of the cooking, add the balsamic vinegar and saute until the liquid is evaporated. Cool.
Drain the artichokes and add them to the cooled vegetables.
Place 5 slices of provolone on the bottom of the crust or half the grated cheese. Place the filling over the cheese, top with the remaining provolone.
At this point the Summer Vegetable Tart can be heated immediately to serve or refrigerated until the next day. Bring to room temperature if cold.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the tart on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes if room temperature. The cheese may benefit from being placed under the broiler for a few minutes. Be careful not to place the tart so close to the hot coils that the paper catches on fire.
Cut your Summer Vegetable Tart into 4 to 6 pieces and serve.
If you enjoyed this recipe I'd like to share these:
Spanakopita
International Flatbreads
Torta Rustica
French Onion Tart
Jill McCullough says
This is such a good recipe! I loved using the processor, and the technique for filling the tart pan is great! It was a hit with everyone, and the bakers loved the herbs in the crust. I used zucchini instead of artichokes. I will get white balsamic vinegar soon, but this time I added a bit of balsamic to coconut aminos for the caramelizing, and it was tasty! I cooked up extra veggies as I could easily use the leftovers in omelets or tacos, and I was assured that I would have a nice full pan! I refrigerated the tart overnight. I made an aluminum foil ring and used it the last ten minutes to keep the crust from over-browning. I think I will make one Just for ME!! Thank you so much!!
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Jill - You make my day. I just love that you make people happy with your cooking and that you use my recipes. You have lucky friends and family. Thank you so much for both of these. I also saute a lot veggies at once and then use them the next day. Such a time saver!
Jill McCullough says
Thanks for the reply, Helen! Today I am making one for ME . . . and my sister and brother-in-law! It's a big tart, and she is so excited, she gave me the provolone!!
Helen S Fletcher says
Have a wonderful meal Jill. A great tart to share with loved ones.
Donna L. says
I've just popped in a few years since my first review to say that I still love this summer vegetable tart. We had it for dinner tonight and I am already looking forward to having the cold leftovers for breakfast! It really IS that good!
The tart crust is lovely with all the herbs! I may venture to try it with fresh thyme sometime, since I particularly enjoy that flavor. Also, the white balsamic is worth tracking down if one doesn't have it in the pantry already. (I didn't.) It really does add the right zing to the peppers and squash.
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Donna, thanks so much. I love thyme and think it would be a great addition. I agree about the white balsamic - different from all the rest of the vinegars. Thanks for reminding me about this. I'll be making it soon. But never thought of it for breakfast.
Donna L. says
Hi Helen,
I made the tart for dinner last night and it was absolutely scrumptious! It was my first time making a tart like this, and I especially appreciate the way you laid out the instructions with photos of each step accompanying the description. It helped me be confident that I was doing it the right way and I found it reassuring.
I will definitely make the tart again -- it was the perfect light supper for summer. I am already thinking about serving it with tomato bisque or sandwiches.
Many thanks!
hfletcher says
Dear Donna, many thanks for your lovely comment. It makes me so happy when I hear that someone new to baking has tried something and not only did it work, they enjoyed it so much. You are the person I write for - those interested in baking, but wanting some assistance. If you like the tart a lot, go to International Flatbreads for more savory recipes I think you may like.
Lynette Pruett says
This looks wonderful, Helen! Going on my "to bake" list for sure. The other day I made up a double flatbread crust recipe and have six par baked ones in the freezer! So nice to know that dinner is just a few minutes away!
Thanks for your wonderful recipes and for sharing them. Hope you and Mike are well. Stay safe!
hfletcher says
Hi Lynette - I agree.. Mike and I love flatbreads and I keep the crusts in the freezer for quick dinners. In fact, I use the same filling as in the tart on my flatbreads sometimes. We are fine. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Kathy says
Delicious!!
hfletcher says
Happy you like it Kathy. I like basic fillings that can be used multiple places.
Maggie Gray says
Helen, I am not a big fan of artichokes. Is there a sub for them? The rest of the veggies are fantastic. I will be making this in the very near future. I miss St. Louis. I am the person who’s father grew up along side Tony and Vince. We spent many occasions at Tony’s. Thanks for your email. Maggie Gray
Wichita Kansa
hfletcher says
Hi Maggie, good to hear from you. Asparagus, mushrooms, celery would all probably work. Or omit the artichokes and increase the peppers and onions a bit. Stay well.