ROAST TOMATO & RICOTTA FREE-FORM PHYLLO TART

- METHOD -

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, place in a colander and sprinkle generously with sea salt. Set aside for 30 minutes to drain then give them a good shake to get rid of excess moisture. Cut 6 layers of phyllo pastry to a 20cm x 15cm rectangle. Place a sheet of phyllo on a non-stick baking tray and lightly brush with olive oil before adding the next layer of phyllo. Repeat until you have 6 layers stuck together.

Add a teaspoon of Cape Herb & Spice Garlic & Herb Shaker Seasoning to the ricotta and mix through well with the back of a fork. Dot all over the phyllo rectangle and spread with the back of a spoon so it’s evenly covered, making sure to leave a 2cm clear edge all around.

Pack the ricotta-covered area with tomatoes, ensuring the cut sides face up. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and place in a preheated 200˚C oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden and the tomatoes are roasted. Scatter over toasted pine nuts and loads of fresh basil, give it a final dusting of seasoning and serve right away while it’s still warm.

Cook’s tips:

1) To get a slightly elevated border for your free-form pie, simply roll tinfoil into a sausage and place underneath the 2cm clear phyllo edge to prop it up a bit while it bakes. 

2) If the pastry edge is baked to perfection but you would prefer your tomatoes a bit more roasted, simply cover the pastry edge with tinfoil to protect it from browning further and give your tomatoes another 5 minutes.

Quick ideas for your Garlic & Herb Shaker Seasoning:

1) Stir it into cottage cheese or sour cream and use it to top baked jacket potatoes.

2) Make a super-quick garlic butter by mixing it with room temperature unsalted butter.

3) Make an easy vinaigrette by mixing it with two parts olive oil to one part white wine vinegar.

4) Slice day-old baguette or ciabatta, drizzle with olive oil on both sides and rub in some Garlic & Herb Shaker Seasoning, then place under your grill until toasted. Serve your crostini topped with tiny, diced tomatoes and finely shredded basil dressed simply with more extra virgin olive oil.

Recipe concept & photography by Lizet Hartley.

Lizet Hartley is a freelance stills and reel food stylist, food photographer and recipe developer. In her spare time she – rather predictably – cooks. Get more of her recipes on her blog at http://www.melkkos-merlot.co.za