The tarte tatin, with its caramelized apples and golden pastry, is a timeless classic of French pastry-making. Born of a fortunate culinary error by the Tatin sisters, it has become a sweet emblem. But have you ever heard of the savory version of this upside-down tart? Summer vegetables, with their bright flavors and vibrant colors, lend themselves wonderfully well to this. In this article, we reveal the recipe for a delicious summer vegetable tarte tatin and our tips for making it a success. 

What ingredients are required?

To make this tasty summer vegetable tarte tatin, assemble the following ingredients: 

• 200g cherry tomatoes ; 
• 2 zucchinis ; 
• 1 eggplant ; 
• 1 red bell pepper ; 
• 1 yellow bell pepper ; 
• 2 red onions ; 
• 1 roll puff pastry ; 
• 3 tablespoons olive oil ;
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar ; 
• 1 tablespoon sugar ; 
• 1 tablespoon herbs; 
• salt and pepper

Once you have all these ingredients, place them in your fridge until you’re ready to start preparing.

What are the preparation steps?

To make a delicious summer vegetable tarte tatin, first preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). 

Next, peel and thinly slice your favorite summer vegetables using a mandolin.

Be sure to dry them well with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Heat some olive oil in a frying pan and add the vegetable slices. Cook for a few minutes until slightly softened. Add minced garlic, fresh thyme and herbs for extra flavor.

Then remove the vegetables from the pan and place them in a buttered tart tin. Make sure they’re evenly distributed, and pack them down lightly. Spread a layer of shortcrust pastry over the top of the vegetables, letting it extend slightly over the sides of the tin.

Bake for about 30 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp.

3 tips for a successful summer vegetable tarte tatin

Choosing the right vegetables

To make a delicious summer vegetable tarte tatin, it’s important to choose the right vegetables. Choose seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, onion, bell pepper and tomato.

Make sure you select fresh, high-quality vegetables for intense flavours and perfect texture. Don’t hesitate to vary the colors to make your tart even more appetizing.

Cooking the vegetables

To cook the vegetables for your summer vegetable tarte tatin, you can sauté them in a frying pan with a little olive oil. Be sure to cut the vegetables into thin slices, even slices for even cooking.

Add aromatic herbs and minced garlic for extra flavor. Cook the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes, until tender but still crunchy.

Alternatively, roast in the oven at 200°C for around 15 minutes.

Caramelization

Caramelization is an important step in making summer vegetable tarte tatin. It adds a sweet flavor and a delicious golden color to the vegetables.

To caramelize the vegetables, you can use sugar or balsamic vinegar. Heat the sugar or vinegar in a pan until it melts and turns golden.

Then add the vegetables and cook until they are well coated with caramel. This will add a deliciously sweet touch to your summer vegetable tarte tatin.

What variations can be made to the recipe?

Changing the type of pastry 

Pastry is an essential element in tarte tatin, and choosing a variation can completely change the texture and taste of the tart.

• Brisée pastry: This flakier, softer pastry can give the tart a more rustic taste.
• Sablée pastry: Sweeter and more delicate, this pastry adds a sweet note and brings out the flavors of summer vegetables.
• Wholemeal Flour Pastry: Using wholemeal flour will add more fiber and a grittier texture. It’s an excellent choice for a healthier version.

Adding cheese

Incorporating cheese can add a new dimension to your tart.

•    Goat’s cheese adds a creamy, tangy touch.
•    Feta gives a salty taste and goes well with Mediterranean vegetables.
•    Parmesan is ideal for an umami touch.
•    Bleu cheese for a bolder, more sophisticated flavor.

Gluten-free recipe 

What ingredients will you need? 

For the Dough

• 150g rice flour ; 
• 50g corn flour ;
• 100g gluten-free butter, diced ; 
• 1 beaten egg ; 
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil ; 
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced ; 
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 2 red peppers, sliced 
• 2 tomatoes, sliced; 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced; 
• Salt and pepper to taste ; 
• Gluten-free goat's cheese or feta (optional)

How Do I Prepare the Dough?

1. In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, corn flour and salt.
2. Stir in butter until lumpy.
3. Add egg and mix until dough forms a ball. If necessary, add a little cold water.
4. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Topping 

Start by preheating the oven to 190°C (375°F). 

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion, zucchini, peppers and garlic until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in tomatoes and cook a few minutes longer.

Assembly and Cooking 

On a surface lightly floured with rice flour, roll out the pastry into a circle slightly larger than the tart tin. 

Next, spread the sautéed vegetables over the bottom of the tin. Gently place the pastry over the vegetables, tucking in the edges.

Finally, place the tart in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.

Once ready, leave to cool slightly before inverting onto a serving dish! 

This gluten-free tarte tatin with summer vegetables is an excellent alternative for those following a gluten-free diet. Alternative flours bring unique textures and flavors, creating a delicious and nutritious dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, summer vegetable tarte tatin is a delicious way to enjoy summer flavors. So, with a few tips and variations, you can personalize your tarte to make a perfect summer dish for al fresco dining or family dinners.