Vegetable pie inspired by ratatouille

Delightful Ratatouille Tart

This vibrant Ratatouille Tart serves 8 people and is the perfect dish to impress friends and family with your culinary skills. It combines a crispy pastry base with an array of colorful vegetables, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Cooking Time

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 14 ounces frozen puff pastry, thawed overnight in the refrigerator
• 1 Asian eggplant
• 1 small zucchini
• 1 small yellow squash
• 1 long red bell pepper
• 1/3 cup tomato puree (such as Pomi) or plain canned tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Preparation Steps

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly dust your countertop with flour and roll out the pastry sheet until it reaches dimensions of approximately 11 x 15 inches. Transfer the pastry onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring it stays flat. Poke small holes in the pastry with a fork at about one-inch intervals to prevent puffing.

Next, evenly spread the tomato puree or sauce across the pastry, leaving a one-inch border around the edges for a rustic appearance.

Prepare the vegetables by trimming the ends off the eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash. Carefully cut the top and bottom off the red bell pepper, removing the core but keeping the sides intact, resembling a tube.

Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and red pepper into thin rounds, approximately 1/16-inch thick.

Arrange the vegetable slices in a slightly overlapping manner over the tomato base, alternating the colors to create a stunning pattern. Save any leftover slices for a creative twist later.

Drizzle the vegetable arrangement with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper, and scatter fresh thyme leaves over the top.

Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy, and the vegetables are tender. Once done, transfer to a cutting board, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, and slice into squares or strips—using a pizza wheel can be surprisingly effective! This tart can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any gathering.

Chef's Tip

If you’re in New York City, seek out DuFour puff pastry. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s worth every penny, transforming your dish into something truly exceptional!