Tarte Tatin with cherry tomatoes

When it comes to summer, an abundance of perfectly ripe cherry tomatoes is not hard to find. These juicy little bursts of flavor can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sauces. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to showcase your cherry tomato bounty, you might want to try making a Tarte Tatin with cherry tomatoes.

Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert featuring caramelized apples arranged in a pie crust and baked until golden brown. However, savory versions of this dish have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. Tarte Tatin offers a beautiful presentation, with the caramelized ingredients creating an eye-catching mosaic pattern that’s sure to impress. Plus, the sweetness of the caramel perfectly balances the acidity of the cherry tomatoes.

Start with the Pie Crust

The first step in making Tarte Tatin with cherry tomatoes is to prepare the pie crust. If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made crust, but homemade crust always tastes better. To make your own crust, combine 1 and 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1 tbsp. sugar in a medium bowl. Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Add 3-4 tbsp. of cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use it to line a 9-inch cake pan.

Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes

While your crust is chilling in the fridge, preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash and dry 2 cups of cherry tomatoes. Cut them in half and set them aside.

Caramelize the Tomatoes

Next, it’s time to caramelize the cherry tomatoes. In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Once the mixture starts to bubble, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and the sauce has thickened.

Assemble and Bake

Remove your crust from the fridge and arrange the cherry tomatoes, cut side down, in the bottom of the pan. Pour the caramel sauce over the tomatoes. Roll out another piece of pie crust and place it over the top of the tomatoes. Use a knife to cut a few steam vents in the crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.

Finishing Touches

Once your Tarte Tatin with cherry tomatoes is finished baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so that the tomatoes are on top. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

In Conclusion

Tarte Tatin with cherry tomatoes is a great way to use up your summer produce in a unique and flavorful way. The combination of sweet caramel and juicy tomatoes is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect as a side dish or even as a vegetarian main course, this savory Tarte Tatin will definitely impress your guests at your next dinner party.