Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup Bandel cheese, grated
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch tart pan
- Parchment paper
- Pie weights or dried beans
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it into the tart pan. Trim the edges and prick the bottom with a fork.
3. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the crust.
7. Sprinkle the grated Bandel cheese over the mixture.
8. Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese.
9. Sprinkle the chopped basil over the tomatoes.
10. Bake the tart for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bandel cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Use puff pastry instead of pie crust for a flakier texture.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the tomatoes thinly and evenly.
- Let the tart cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the tart in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the tart on a platter with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes for garnish.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Cherry tomatoes
Pairings:
- Serve the tart with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus with lemon and Parmesan cheese
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crust is not browning evenly, rotate the tart pan halfway through baking.
- If the filling is too runny, bake the tart for a few more minutes until it sets.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to store the tart in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.
- Use clean utensils and surfaces when preparing the tart to prevent cross-contamination.
Food History:
- Bandel cheese is a type of cheese that originated in the town of Bandel in West Bengal, India. It is a soft, crumbly cheese with a tangy flavor.
Flavor Profiles:
- The tart has a buttery, flaky crust with a creamy, cheesy filling and juicy, sweet tomatoes. The fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the tart as an appetizer or main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Indian