Rustic tomato, burrata and pesto tart

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
53 Views
9 Min Read
Rustic tomato, burrata and pesto tart
Rustic tomato, burrata and pesto tart

Rustic Tomato, Burrata and Pesto Tart. Crispy and fresh Mediterranean appetizer. Visually incredible and easy. See recipe!

Type: Appetizers,Mediterranean

Cuisine: International

Keywords: Appetizers,Mediterranean

Recipe Yield: 4

Calories: 290 kcal

Preparation Time: 20 min

Cooking Time: 30 min

Total Time: 50 min

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 1 disc of pie dough (puff pastry or shortcrust)
  • 300 g mixed cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
  • 1 ball fresh burrata
  • 1 beaten egg (for glazing)
  • Salt, pepper, and oregano
  • Fresh basil leaves

Recipe Instructions:

Prepare the base :

Spread: Place the dough on a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread: Spread the pesto in the center of the dough, leaving a border of about 3-4 cm free.

Rustic tomato, burrata and pesto tart

Filling :

Place tomatoes: Put the tomatoes on the pesto. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Fold edges: Fold the edges of the dough inwards, partially covering the tomatoes, giving a rustic look. Brush the edges with egg.

Rustic tomato, burrata and pesto tart

Baking :

Cooking: Bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until the dough is golden and crispy.

Rustic tomato, burrata and pesto tart

Final touch:

Burrata: Remove from the oven. Break the burrata ball and place it in the center over the hot tomatoes. Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Rustic tomato, burrata and pesto tart
Editor's Rating:
4.8

Recipe for Rustic tomato, burrata, and pesto tart

Hello! Today we are going to prepare a rustic tomato, burrata, and pesto tart, a simple dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes with the creaminess of burrata cheese and the aroma of pesto. Ideal for those who enjoy homemade and flavorful cuisine, this recipe stands out for its balance between fresh ingredients and a delicious shortcrust pastry that holds the ensemble without losing firmness.

Preparation time

To plan your day in the kitchen, here are the essential times:

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Cooking: 30 minutes
  • Total: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the shortcrust pastry

  • 3 ¾ cups flour
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups cold butter
  • ⅔ cup cold water

For the tart

  • 3 tablespoons basil pesto (you can use store-bought pesto)
  • 3 large tomatoes or 6-8 cherry tomatoes, washed and thinly sliced (¼ inch)
  • 1 ball of burrata (approximately 500 ml)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Olive oil for a touch when serving

Note: If you can't find burrata, you can replace it with fresh cheese like mozzarella or ricotta to maintain the creamy texture. If butter is not available, cold margarine can be used for the dough, although the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Utensils we will use

  • Round tart pan or a 12-inch springform pan (you can use a baking dish if you don't have a specific pan)
  • Rolling pin for stretching the dough (or a clean bottle if you don't have a rolling pin)
  • Knife and cutting board for slicing tomatoes
  • Fork for pricking the dough
  • Bowl for mixing the dough
  • Spoon for spreading the pesto and placing the burrata
  • Oven preheated to 180 degrees

Preparation

1. Prepare the shortcrust pastry

  1. Mix dry ingredients. Combine flour with salt in a large bowl. This is the base for the shortcrust pastry, which should be firm but flexible.
  2. Incorporate cold butter. With a pastry blender, cut and mix the cold butter cut into small cubes until the mixture resembles small peas. Working cold prevents the butter from melting and ensures a flaky dough.
  3. Add cold water. Add the cold water little by little and mix with your hands until a soft, non-sticky ball forms. If it sticks, add a little more flour, but carefully so as not to harden the dough.
  4. Rest the dough. Wrap the ball in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour; this will make it easier to handle and prevent the dough from shrinking when baked.

2. Bake the tart base

  1. Roll out the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of 3 mm (1/8 inch) and form a circle that covers the mold with a small edge.
  2. Place in mold and prick. Place the dough in the mold, trim the excess, and use a fork to prick the bottom, preventing it from rising during baking.
  3. Bake the dough. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the base for 10 minutes, just until it begins to brown and becomes firm enough to hold the filling.

3. Assemble the tart and bake

  1. Spread the pesto. Remove the base from the oven and spread the 3 tablespoons of pesto evenly over the surface.
  2. Place the tomato slices. Distribute the tomato slices in a single layer, ensuring they are slightly overlapping. If the tomatoes are very juicy, you can salt the slices and let them rest for 10 minutes to release liquid; then pat them dry with paper before placing them.
  3. Add spoonfuls of burrata. With a spoon, place portions of burrata over the tomatoes in small mounds. The burrata will partially melt when baked, giving a spectacular creamy texture.
  4. Bake the tart. Return the tart to the oven for 20-30 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is slightly melted.

To finish and serve

When removing the tart, let it rest for a few minutes so you don't burn yourself when cutting. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the surface and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the Italian recipe you are enjoying. This rustic tart is perfect as an appetizer to share or accompanying grilled meat dishes.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Proteins: 9 g
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

These values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.


5 keys to make the rustic tomato, burrata, and pesto tart perfect

To enjoy this recipe to its fullest, pay attention to these details that will make a difference in flavor and texture:

  • Use very cold butter and water in the dough to prevent the fat from melting and achieve an unmistakable flaky texture.
  • The thickness of the dough is key: a thickness close to 3 mm ensures that the base is neither too thick nor brittle.
  • Salt and rest the juicy tomatoes to eliminate excess liquid and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
  • Spread the pesto evenly so that it provides flavor in every bite and not just in certain spots.
  • Do not overload with burrata. Distribute the cheese in mounds, so it melts well without losing the tart's structure.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This rustic tomato, burrata, and pesto tart is a fantastic option for a light lunch, an informal dinner, or as an appetizer for gatherings with friends and family. Summer, when tomatoes are at their peak, is the ideal time to take advantage of their freshness and juiciness. Furthermore, its simple and quick preparation makes it an adaptable dish to share at celebrations where natural flavors shine.


Comparison with similar recipes

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Rustic tomato, burrata and pesto tartTomato, burrata, pesto, shortcrust pastryUse of burrata for creamy texture and store-bought pesto for speed
Confit cherry tomato tart with burrataConfit cherry tomatoes, burrata, doughCaramelized tomatoes add sweetness
Vegetable quicheEggs, vegetables, cheeseMore compact egg base, less focus on tomato
Pumpkin and goat cheese tartPumpkin, goat cheese, shortcrust pastrySweeter and earthier flavor than fresh tomato
Savory pear tatin tart and blue cheesePear, blue cheese, doughContrast between sweet and strong, without tomato or pesto
Brie en croûteBrie cheese, dough, honey or nutsDifferent cheese, more intense and sweet flavor
Apple pie with caramelApple, caramel, doughSweet dessert, not savory

Share your experience

The kitchen is a place to experiment and enjoy flavors together. We invite you to prepare this rustic tomato, burrata, and pesto tart, and then share your results and any variations you've tried. Did you use homemade pesto? Do you prefer fresh burrata or an alternative cheese? Your comments will help others explore this recipe with confidence.

Culinary glossary

  • Shortcrust pastry: firm and flaky dough used for tarts; it is the base of this recipe.
  • Docking (pricking the dough): making small holes with a fork in the dough to prevent it from rising in the oven.
  • Burrata: creamy fresh cheese with a firm exterior and an almost liquid interior, typical Italian.
  • Pesto: Italian sauce based on basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese, and olive oil.
  • Rest: letting ingredients or doughs rest in the cold to facilitate handling.
Share this article
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
No Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

👩‍🍳 Recipes, tips, and more direct to your inbox 🍲Never miss a recipe!

Be part of my community and receive irresistible recipes, cooking techniques, and exclusive content to add more flavor to your days. It's free and delicious!