Ina Garten's 5-Star Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts _ Barefoot Contessa _ Food Network
# How to Make Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making tomato and goat cheese tarts is a delightful process that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with the creamy richness of goat cheese, all topped off with sweet, juicy tomatoes. Follow this step-by-step guide based on the full transcription of the video to create these mouthwatering tarts at home.
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## Ingredients and Setup
The recipe begins by sautéing onions and garlic in a little oil until the onions caramelize. This forms the base for the filling, which is then seasoned with salt, pepper, white wine, and fresh thyme. The transcription mentions using two cups of onions and some garlic, so make sure you have those ingredients prepped and ready.
For the tarts themselves, you’ll need one sheet of puff pastry. Unfold it onto a floured board, flour the pastry lightly, and roll it out to an 11x11-inch square. Puff pastry is a miracle product because it always comes out perfectly when baked, so no need to stress about achieving that bakery-like texture.
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## Cutting Out Tart Shells
Instead of using fancy equipment, the recipe uses a saucer that’s 6 inches in diameter to cut out the tart shells. Place the saucer on the pastry and carefully cut around it with a knife. Make sure the pastry stays cold during this process to keep it from getting too soft or sticky.
Once you’ve cut out the desired number of tart shells, use a pairing knife to create a half-inch border around each pastry. This border allows the edges to puff up slightly when baked, giving them that classic tart shape. Be careful not to cut all the way through—just go halfway down to create a defined edge without separating the pastry completely.
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## Docking the Pastry
Next comes the step of “docking” the pastry. This involves using a fork to prick small holes inside the border of each tart shell, just inside the circle. These holes prevent the pastry from puffing up too much in the center and ensure that it stays flat like a proper tart. The transcription notes that these holes can go all the way through, as they’ll close up nicely when baked.
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## Preparing the Filling
While the pastry is being prepared, check on the onions. They should be caramelized and smelling fantastic by now. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, white wine, and fresh thyme. The transcription emphasizes the delicious combination of onions and thyme, so don’t skip this step!
Grate two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese (specifically Regano Italian Parmesan is recommended for its flavor) and divide it evenly among the tart shells, placing a tablespoon at the bottom of each one. Then, add a few tablespoons of goat cheese on top of the onions for each tart. The goat cheese will melt together with the onions, creating a creamy base for the filling.
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## Assembling the Tarts
Slice a large tomato into thick slices (about half an inch) and place one slice in the center of each tart shell. The transcription notes that the tomato should be big enough to fit perfectly within the circle, and it looks absolutely fabulous when assembled. To ensure the tomato cooks nicely and browns, lightly brush the top with olive oil.
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## Final Touches
Before baking, add fresh basil leaves on top of the tomatoes for a burst of freshness. Then, shave large pieces of Parmesan cheese over the tarts using a vegetable peeler. This adds both texture and flavor, as the parmesan will bake into the tart, creating a cheesy, delicious crust on top.
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## Baking Instructions
Once assembled, bake the tarts in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until the pastry is golden and flaky, and the cheese is bubbly. The exact baking time isn’t specified in the transcription, but keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
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## Conclusion
These tomato and goat cheese tarts are a showstopper dish that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a special treat at home. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese, fresh tomatoes, and flaky puff pastry is hard to resist. Plus, the simplicity of using everyday tools like a saucer and pairing knife makes this recipe accessible to anyone.
So, the next time you have puff pastry in your pantry, give these tarts a try—they might just become your new favorite way to enjoy fresh tomatoes and goat cheese!