Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • ½ cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ice water
  • 15 ounces (425g) whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
  • 1 pint (500g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic glaze (optional)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough just comes together. Flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the tart pan.
  3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to the prepared tart pan. Trim and crimp the edges. Dock the bottom with a fork. Line with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and blind bake for 20 minutes. Remove weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
  4. While the crust is baking, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, cream, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
  5. Spread the ricotta filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Arrange the cherry tomato halves cut-side up on top of the filling.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tomatoes are softened and starting to burst.
  7. Let the tart cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using), sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh basil leaves.
  8. Serve warm or at room temperature.