Try this French ratatouille spiral tart recipe
Ratatouille, a traditional French dish from Nice, is known for its vibrant colors and flavors. It has evolved into various forms, including the visually appealing spiral tart. This vegetarian and eggless version respects the classic dish while adding an artistic twist. Ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a nutritious meal, this guide will help you create a stunning Ratatouille Spiral Tart. Let's start cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To make this delightful tart, you will need: one sheet of puff pastry (ensure it's eggless), two tablespoons of tomato paste, one teaspoon of dried oregano, one small zucchini, one small yellow squash, one small eggplant, two medium tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste, and two tablespoons of olive oil for brushing. Optionally, you can also gather fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Prepare the puff pastry base
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Roll out puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly score a border one inch from the edge without cutting through. Prick the center with a fork to avoid puffing. Spread tomato paste within the border and sprinkle with dried oregano. Bake for about 10 minutes until slightly golden.
Slice vegetables thinly
As the base pre-bakes, thoroughly wash the zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and tomatoes. Then, use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to slice them into very thin rounds. This thinness is crucial for even cooking and fitting them into a beautiful spiral pattern. It ensures that each vegetable cooks uniformly and integrates perfectly into the tart's design.
Assemble vegetable spiral
After removing the base from the oven, which should now be partially baked, start arranging your vegetable slices in a tight spiral pattern from the outer edge toward the center. Alternate between zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and tomato slices for a colorful variation. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This method is key for the tart's visually appealing presentation.
Bake until tender
Brush olive oil over the vegetables, ensuring each slice is coated. This helps in roasting them perfectly while retaining moisture. Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the edges are visibly roasted. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy this nourishing meal garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
