Harissa Tomato Tarts

Harissa tomato tarts are a delightful fusion of North African spice and Mediterranean freshness. They offer a tantalizing burst of flavor with every bite. These tarts, with their flaky pastry crusts, robust tomato slice and a spicy kick from harissa, are perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual brunches to elegant dinner parties.

A Symphony of Flavors

The star ingredient, harissa, is a fiery chili paste that hails from Tunisia. It is made from a blend of roasted red peppers, hot chili peppers, garlic, coriander, caraway and olive oil. The result is a complex, smoky flavor that is both spicy and aromatic. When combined with ripe, juicy tomatoes, the harissa paste infuses the tarts with a vibrant heat. This heat complements the natural sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes.

Textural Harmony

The beauty of harissa tomato tarts lies not only in their flavor but also in their textural contrast. The base is typically a buttery, flaky puff pastry that crisps up beautifully in the oven, providing a perfect foundation for the toppings. The tomatoes, often sliced or halved cherry tomatoes, become tender and slightly caramelized as they bake, melding harmoniously with the harissa’s spiciness.

Versatile and Adaptable

One of the great advantages of harissa tomato tarts is their versatility. They can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even a savory snack. However, for a more substantial dish, one can add layers of creamy goat cheese or crumbled feta. These cheeses balance the heat of the harissa and adds a rich, tangy flavor. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley can be sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness, enhancing the overall presentation and taste.

Perfect for Entertaining

These tarts are also an excellent choice for entertaining. They are visually appealing, with the bright red tomatoes and golden pastry creating a striking contrast. Moreover, they can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving. This makes them a convenient option for hosts looking to impress their guests with minimal stress.

A Taste of North Africa at Home

Incorporating harissa tomato tarts into your culinary repertoire is a delightful way to explore the rich flavors of North African cuisine. Whether you are a spice lover seeking new adventures for your palate or simply looking for a unique dish to share with friends and family, these tarts offer a delicious and sophisticated option. Pair them with a crisp white wine or a refreshing mint tea for a complete and satisfying meal.

Harissa Tomato Tarts

Harissa tomato tarts combine flaky puff pastry with ripe tomatoes and spicy harissa paste, offering a vibrant blend of North African and Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for various occasions, these tarts are visually appealing, easy to prepare, and can be enhanced with cheese and fresh herbs for added richness and color.

4.73 from 92 votes

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Course: Main Dish, Snack

Cuisine: British

Keyword: Pies/Tarts, Pizza, Vegetables

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 0.5kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 180 g Greek yogurt 0% fat plus 4tbsp to serve
• 180 g self-raising flour plus 2tsp for dusting
• 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
• 4 large tomatoes thickly sliced
• 4 tsp harissa paste
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp parsley fresh flat-leaf chopped
• rocket arugula, to serve

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 200°C, 400°F, Gas Mark 6, and line 2 baking trays with baking paper.
• Put the yogurt and the flour into a mixing bowl and season well. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  180 g Greek yogurt, 180 g self-raising flour
• Dust a work surface with the flour.
• Divide the pizza dough into 4 pieces and roll out each piece to a 15cm circle. Transfer to the prepared baking trays, scatter over the onion then top with the tomato slices.
  4 large tomatoes, 1/2 small red onion
• In a small jug, combine the harissa paste, vinegar and oil, then season well. Drizzle or brush the harissa mixture over the tomato slices, then bake the tarts for 20 minutes until the dough is crisp and golden.
  4 tsp harissa paste, 2 tsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp olive oil
• Spoon over the yogurt, scatter over the chopped parsley and serve with the rocket on the side.
  1 tbsp parsley, rocket

Nutrition

Calories: 0.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.01g | Sodium: 0.2mg | Potassium: 1mg | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 0.1mg | Iron: 0.01mg