Mediterranean Tomato-Lemon Tart

Preparation

Baking Directions:

Make the tart shell:Put the flour, butter, zest, and salt in a food processor and pulse until crumbly.

Add the egg and pulse just until moist curds form — don’t over process.

Turn the dough out onto a work surface and knead it once or twice to pull it together.

Flatten it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

(Wrapped airtight, the dough can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month.)

Place an 8-inch tart pan with a removable bottom or a tart ring on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet.

Lightly dust a work surface and the top of the dough with flour.

Roll the dough out into a round that is approximately 10 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick.

As you roll, lift the dough and, if necessary, dust with flour.

Fit the dough into the bottom and against the side of the pan, taking care not to stretch it.

Trim the excess dough even with the pan’s rim.

  If the dough cracks, use lightly moistened scraps to fill the cracks.

  Refrigerate the tart shell for at least 30 minutes.

Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line the crust with a parchment-paper round and fill with dried beans or rice.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.

  Remove the paper and beans, and bake 3 to 5 minutes more, or until lightly colored.

  Transfer to a rack to cool.

(The crust can be kept at room temperature for up to 8 hours.)

Make the tomatoes and the lemon custard:Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.

Line a baking sheet with foil, brush with 1 tablespoon of the oil and sprinkle with the garlic and thyme.

Place the tomato halves, cut side down, sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Bake for approximately 1 hour until the tomatoes are tender but still able to hold their shape; set aside.

Whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, yolks, lemon juice, olives, and basil in a bowl; season with salt and pepper.

Place the tart shell on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet.

Arrange the tomatoes, cut side up, in the tart shell and pour the custard mixture over.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes until the custard is set.

Transfer to a rack to cool.

Wine Pairing:The richness of a Viognier-based wine echoes the flavors of the custard while the grape’s floral overtones blend well with the tart’s lemony aromas.

In particular, a rare Condrieu from the northern Rhône Valley, like the one produced by Tardieu-Laurent, makes a stunning choice.

As always with Viognier, get the most recent vintage.

Serving Directions:

To serve:Cut the tart into wedges and serve with a bowl of summer greens seasoned with a lemon and olive oil dressing.