less than 30 mins
30 mins to 1 hour
Serves 4–6
Egg-free, Nut-free, Vegetarian
By Matt Tebbutt
This roasted tomato tarte tatin is rich in vegetables and flavour, but the buttery pastry and cheese add indulgence. The dish balances freshness with a satisfying, creamy finish.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 200g ready-made puff pastry
- 30g unsalted butter
- 30g caster sugar
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 4 ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp chopped fresh tarragon, plus a few tarragon sprigs
- ½ log semi soft goats’ cheese, sliced
- Splash balsamic vinegar
Method
- Prepare the pastry and tomatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
- Roll out the puff pastry with a rolling pin to just under the thickness of a pound coin. Cut a 15cm disc and chill in the fridge.
- Spread the butter over the base of a cold small oven-safe frying pan (the same size as your pastry disc).
- Sprinkle over the caster sugar and chopped thyme.
- Arrange the tomato halves, cut side down, on top. Scatter over chopped tarragon and a few tarragon sprigs, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
- Assemble and cook the tarte tatin:
- Lay the chilled pastry disc over the tomatoes and tuck the edges down the sides of the pan.
- Place the pan on a medium heat and cook for 6–9 minutes to begin caramelising the base.
- Prick a few holes in the pastry with a sharp knife.
- Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and puffed.
- Finish with cheese and herbs:
- Preheat the grill to high.
- Turn the tarte tatin out onto a serving plate.
- Top with slices of goats’ cheese and place under the grill just until the cheese softens and starts to melt.
- Garnish with extra tarragon sprigs and serve warm.
Chef’s tip:
For extra flavour, use a mix of heirloom tomatoes or add a pinch of cracked black pepper before baking.
Suggested Wine Pairing
Majestic: La Vieille Ferme Blanc
This Southern French white brings fresh citrus and stone fruit, which balance the tangy tomatoes and creamy goats’ cheese, making each bite feel even more summery.
Tesco: Finest Picpoul de Pinet
Picpoul’s lively acidity and lemon zest notes cut through the richness of the pastry and cheese, while echoing the Mediterranean flavours of the tart.
Sainsbury’s: Taste the Difference Sauvignon Blanc
This Sauvignon Blanc offers crisp green apple and a herbal lift, which pairs beautifully with the fresh herbs and the sweetness of roasted tomatoes.
What can you serve with this
- Crisp green salad – The freshness and crunch balance the tart’s richness and highlight the Mediterranean flavours.
- Roasted baby potatoes – Their earthy flavour and golden skins complement the sweet tomatoes and buttery pastry.
- Chargrilled courgettes – Add a smoky, savoury note that pairs well with the goats’ cheese and herbs.
Nutri-score Health Check
This recipe scores a C on the Nutri-Score scale, making it moderately healthy. Tomatoes and herbs provide vitamins and antioxidants, while the puff pastry and goats’ cheese add richness and saturated fat. The balance of fresh vegetables and moderate cheese keeps things in check.
Positive Factors
- Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene.
- Fresh herbs add antioxidants and flavour without calories.
Negative Factors
- Butter and puff pastry increase saturated fat and calories.
- Goats’ cheese adds extra fat, but also brings protein and calcium.
This Nutri-Score has been automatically calculated from the recipe ingredients and is only a guide. Enjoy this tarte tatin as a show-stopping centrepiece, balanced with plenty of fresh salad on the side.
