Can you say Savory ten times in a row while balancing a spoon on your nose, holding a glass of water and jumping up and down? No? I didn’t think so….. Instead let’s make it simple and just stand there and scream “This is the Best Dang Tomato Tart I Have Ever Had!! Hands Down!” Now, that was easier wasn’t it?
I am kinda in a silly mood today as I am typing up this post. For one, I am pretty sure I just had 3 blowpops in a row- Two, my son has now been napping for a whole hour and Three, I just got my hair done this morning so I am feeling pretta! I wanted to write this post while eating this tomato tart last night (since you know I like to multi-task and all) but the hubs said No! So I was forced to eat this amazing tart first and write the post later.
What makes this dish is the cornmeal crust. I have never made a cornmeal crust before but it was easy than pie and it truly added to the texture of the whole tart giving the tomatoes and onions a nice crispy somewhat salty layer to dig its juices into. Caramelizing the onions before hand is a must and you can’t forget the balsamic vinegar. The pairing of balsamic and tomatoes is one of the first things I do when working with tomatoes, regardless of the recipe or dish in mind. Be careful when baking the tart. There are many ways out there to make a tart and bake a tart, some of which require way to much time for me. In this recipe all you have to do is make the dough, let it rest,then pre-bake it for 5-10 minutes in a very hot oven before drowning it with the yummy tomatoes and onions. Picture Perfect, Elegant and A great great appetizer!
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Tomato and Onion Tart with Cornmeal Crust
Ingredients:
2 large ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt and pepper each
dash of paprika
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 TBSP chopped basil or parsley
For the Crust:
1 package of active yeast
1 cup warm water
1 cup cornmeal
2 1/2 cups AP flour
1/2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 TBSP olive oil
Directions:
Heat 1 1/2 TBSP of olive oil in a large saute pan. Place in the onions and garlic and cook for 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat until the onions begin to caramelize, add in 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper and a dash of paprika. Meanwhile, place 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar with the 1/2 tsp sugar over the tomatoes in a large bowl and allow to marry until time to bake.
In a large bowl combine yeast with water and sugar and stir well to combine. Set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the salt, olive oil, and half of the flour and mix well to thoroughly combine. Add the 1 cup of cornmeal and all remaining flour except 1/2 cup and mix well with your hands, working to incorporate the flour little by little. The dough should be slightly sticky to the touch. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead dough for at least 5 and up to 7 minutes, adding enough additional flour as necessary to form a smooth and elastic dough that is not too sticky. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled 2 or 3 quart bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, usually at least 2 hours.
Divide dough into 2 portions (or more if you plan to use this as an appetizer) and form into balls. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and cover with a damp towel. Let rest for 15 minutes, then transfer to a lightly floured surface, shape as desired and roll out to a 1/8-inch thickness. Transfer dough to the pan of your choice (preferably a pizza stone) and prebake in the oven at 500 degrees for 5-8 minutes. Next begin by arranging the tomatoes in a circle ending with in the center, then the onions, then the cheese, herbs and lastly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle a dash of kosher salt and pepper on top. Bake until crispy and golden brown at 500 degrees, usually 7 to 12 minutes.
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Speaking of appetizers. There is an amazing company called Serena Hampers that specializes in the most delectable fun and over the top delivery baskets. The baskets are referred to as hampers because they are based in the U.K.- isn’t that cute and they are full of goodies like chocolate, candy, cheeses, truffles, sauces, wine, spreads, you name it. Serena Hampers even has a few great bath hampers with luxurious salts, soaps and bubble bath.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because I think it would be a fantastic Christmas present this holiday season to someone you don’t get to see for the holidays or as a business or corporate gift. A Christmas hamper is a wonderful way to say, “I’m thinking of you!”- and no I am not referring to myself, although if you sent me a hamper I would not turn it down:)
Who wouldn’t want a package of wines arriving at their door or a nice hamper full of sauces and spread?
By all means check them out if you get a chance or bookmark them for later when you are Christmas shopping. The only reason I am mentioning this now is because yours truly is having a baby the first of December so I have had Christmas on my mind for a while now. Who has time to shop with a 2 week old? Not I!
I am fascinated by the cornmeal crust. I’m a southern gal and love my cornbread, which I don’t eat very often anymore. If you scream for it, think what I might do (smile).
Sam
Ohhhh, I want be if these now, for breakfast! I may just have to try this for our weekly pizza night, it would be a nice change.
Om gosh- that looks soooo good! Drooling! Getting your hair done and you got a full hour nap? Rockin day!
YUM! That looks delicious, Jessica!
Wow, looks so delicious! I love cornmeal crust! And the tomatoes looks so appealing! Thanks for sharing, have a great week!
Yum! This looks so good! 🙂
oh boy, i just cant stop looking at your tarts and it’s super thin!! i love that!!..aargh, i guess i just got to make them myself!!!
Yumm, glad you decided this shoudnt be kept secret! HaHa This makes my mouth water!
This tart does sound like it hits the savory spot. I love the picture of the slice – Those onions and tomatoes…. Oh yeah, forget the blow pops. This is my kind of meal.
this looks lovely– i want to make it this week while the last of the tomatoes are around!
Oh, this is one stunning tart!!! I could eat a couple delicious slices for breakfast! YUM!
Oh wow this tart looks fantastic, great SRC post! So glad to be in Group C with you! xoxo
love this! yum!!
This looks great – love the combination of ingredients in this tart!
I am bookmarking this recipe, it looks gorgeous!
If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to check out my SRC recipe this month: Thin Mint Irish Coffee.
Lisa~~
Cook Lisa Cook
Why am I so scared of crust and yeast. This looks incredible. I need to get over my fear and make this.
Looks fantastic! We still have good tomatoes here, so I may have to make this asap!
Looks really scrumpticious.
This looks fantastic!
Nice, two polenta crust recipes in a row. I’ve made polenta flatbread and its awesome, this looks even more delicious. I understand your emotions/feelings towards this masterpiece
Congratulations!!!!!! the tart is wonderful but not as wonderful as your baby news!! so happy for you 🙂
Mary oxoxo
If I could eat this through my screen I would! I totally get the struggling for words the next day, I really should keep a pen and paper handy, cause I never seem to describe it as eloquently as I do when I’m eating a dish.
SALIVATING!
What a wonderful tart, Jessica. The tomatoes look amazing, even before they were baked. I’ve not had a cornmeal crust before, but it sounds interesting.
That cornmeal crust looks delicious, and I’d love to try it! Just looking at this tart makes me hungry!!
Yum! I just might have to make this for Thanksgiving…but hopefully sooner than that too.
Oh girl, make it now and later! 🙂 it is that good
OK—all of these reveals have put me in a holiday spirit. I was glad to hear about Serena’s Hampers as I have a brother-in-law that tries to outdo us on what kind of gifts can be ordered and delivered to our door! But, enough about that—-what about that tart. I wouldn’t have blogged about it at dinner either—I would have been too busy devouring it. Great SRC post.
That looks so good. I love a cormeal crust with anything! Can’t believe you are going to have a baby so close to Christmas- talk about stress!!
You scared me with this blog title. I thought you made this whole complicated recipe then threw it in a hamper. Which would REALLY make your clothes dirty…!
I know:) I guess i could have chosen a different title huh? Your so funny with your comment- you crack me up
being silly is good for us once in a while i think!! who would have thought corn meal can make such a mean crust?? tangy tomato on it.. ahhh
I recently tried a cornmeal crust on a pizza and loved it! I think tarts are so fancy looking- I love the look of yours!
OK I screamed just the way asked,now send me my reward….
Send me a slice of this now, if you”ll send me the whole tart i”ll scream as much as you want…..
This look absolutely scream worthy dear……..
look at those juicy, seductive tomatoes………
Beautiful!!!!!!
P.S reading this post reminded me that I NEED TO GO to my hair stylist soon before my hubby call them home……. LOL
You screamed the loudest- you get the reward for sure! Now what should the prize be? Hum,, maybe I shall send some baked goodies your way?
Jessica, Dec is coming soon! I’m so excited for you… You’ll be crazy busy with two children, but it’ll be a pure joy…maybe not for a first few months. =P I’m amazed how much cooking you’ve been doing while you are pregnant and I’m making this tart very soon. I loved the cooked onion, tomatoes, and all the flavor you added and the side shot of tart made my mouth water naturally. Yum. I can’t wait to eat this!!
Oh if you only knew. I guess my pregnancy cravings turned into pregnancy cooking because it is all I want to do! Isnt that crazy. You are so sweet with your comments- I have so enjoyed getting to know you
Forget appetiser, I will gladly devour this as a complete meal!
How exciting that your baby is due so soon!
Have a super day.
🙂 Mandy
I have never made a savory tart, but this one looks like, the best dang tomato tart around! Thanks for sharing this jewel.
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That looks delish! I’ve only had cornmeal crusts at restaurants and have always loved them and the crunch and texture and flavor they add to a crust. And OMG at both onions and tomatoes on this tart. Those are two of my most fave ingredients, ever!
With an endorsement like that, I’m definitely trying it. Looks fabulous!
I like you in a silly mood. You’re fun! This tart does look wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Looks amazing 🙂
That is definitely a different crust than I’ve ever made and for sure I’ll be trying it out – especially with all your excitement on the taste of this tart!! I love caramelized onions combined with tomatos so this is perfect for me. You will be so very busy in December, glad to hear you’re planning ahead!!
This looks luscious! Your pictures are gorgeous! I could just take a big bite now! Thank you for a lovely post!
I need to get on this savory tart and pie business. I’ve never made one, but I do love to eat them. I’m not sure why, but I just never think of them when I’m menu planning. I have to change that – starting now. I’m printing this one out immediately!!! 🙂
What a beautiful tart! I would love to eat that!
you know already how much I love all things cornmeal–so this crust is right up my alley. I’ve made plenty of buttery pate-brisee style crusts with cornmeal–never a yeasted one. I must try this very soon. Thanks!!
Oh wow- your crust sound just as good. I need the recipe to those
You convinced me! It looks amazing and there is nothing wrong with simple words- sometimes they do the best job in describing a dish. Well done
No doubt that this tomato tart was wonderful-It is proof that simple is best. I love it.
I smiled reading your post. Great post.
Velva
This tart looks scrumptious and I love the cornmeal crust! Thanks for the great recipe!
Hi Jessica the cornmeal crust sounds fabulous! Has to be good! I didn’t know about the Secret Recipe club … how does it work and can I be in the club? Please advise! 🙂 Anna
This tart looks and sounds amazing. I have never had a cornmeal crust, but it sounds yummy!
I know that feeling of just wanting to get the words down before they disappear. The tart looks amazing. A cornmeal crust who knew!
I hate waiting to write posts too…once inspiration hits, I have about five minutes to get the words out before they disappear entirely. But i think you did a pretty good job with this!
i REALLY want to try that cornmeal crust…I’m all about the cornmeal.
Oh that cornmeal crust sounds really good, I’ve been into making pizzas and tarts lately.
this was my first successful cornmeal tart and i have to tell you I don’t want any other pizza dough or tart other than this. It is so yummy and if you made it with your amazing photo skills no doubt the recipe and post would be incredible
Gotta love a cornmeal crust! This looks fantastic and you had me laughing. It’s the little things that make us happy.
This tart looks amazing!!! I have a love of tomatoes and onions, so you won me over with the title. : )
Only 1 month to go… How exciting!!! Best wishes to you and your family.
MUST make! We are tomato fiends at our house. This will be the perfect Meatless Monday meal for us. And love the cornmeal crust. Perfect SRC pick!!
[…] out the recipe for Tomato and Onion Tart with Cornmeal Crust. […]
I think I am in love
I have never tried a cornmeal crust but now I cant wait to try it
You are killing me!
This tart is exactly what I needed,
Thank you so much.
Wine time.