Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tbsp ice water
- ½ tsp salt
For the filling:
- 2 ears of fresh corn (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn, thawed)
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or basil (optional)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
- In a food processor or a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (or cut in the butter with a pastry cutter if doing by hand).
- Add the egg yolk and 2 tbsp of ice water. Pulse (or mix) until the dough just comes together. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, if the dough seems too dry.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Roast the vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Shuck the corn and remove the kernels from the cob.
- Toss the zucchini slices and corn kernels with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, until lightly caramelized. Set aside.
3. Assemble the filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta, eggs, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the roasted corn and zucchini to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
4. Roll out the crust:
- Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼-inch thick and large enough to fit a 9-inch tart pan.
- Gently press the dough into the tart pan and trim the edges. Poke the bottom with a fork a few times to prevent bubbling.
- Blind bake the crust: Line the tart crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
5. Assemble and bake the tart:
- Pour the ricotta and vegetable filling into the pre-baked tart crust.
- Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the filling, cut side up.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme or basil over the top if desired.
- Bake the tart at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set and slightly golden.
6. Garnish and serve:
- Once baked, let the tart cool for about 10 minutes.
- Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.
Enjoy your Roasted Corn, Tomato, and Zucchini Tart with a side salad or on its own for a delicious, veggie-packed meal!