A rustic and savory crostata with a flaky pastry crust, filled with sautéed leeks, heirloom tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese, flavored with fresh thyme, basil, and chives.
cups
pinches
Unsalted Butter, very cold, diced
0.25 sticks
tablespoons
Leek, chopped, white and light green parts, spun-dried
cups
Fresh Thyme Leaves, minced
teaspoons
to taste
Heirloom Tomatoes, cored and sliced ⅜ inch thick
0 lb
Good Olive Oil, drizzled
to taste
Creamy Fresh Goat Cheese, crumbled
0 oz
Egg, beaten
each
tablespoons
Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
to garnish
Chives, chopped
to garnish
1. Prepare the Pastry Crust
In a food processor, combine the flour and a pinch of kosher salt. Add the diced cold butter and pulse until the butter pieces are the size of peas. Gradually add the ice water and pulse just until the dough begins to come together. Turn it out onto a board, form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
2. Sauté the Leeks
In a sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped leeks, fresh thyme, a pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant.
3. Season the Tomatoes
Season the sliced heirloom tomatoes with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of good olive oil.
4. Assemble the Crostata
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it forms an 11-inch circle. Transfer it to a parchment-lined sheet pan. Spread the sautéed leeks over the dough, leaving a 1½-inch border. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese on top, then arrange the heirloom tomato slices over the cheese. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling.
5. Bake the Crostata
Brush the pastry edges with the egg wash made of beaten egg and milk. Bake in a preheated 450 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the pastry is browned and the tomatoes are slightly caramelized.
6. Garnish and Serve
Allow the crostata to cool on the sheet pan for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil and chives before serving.
Keep all your pastry ingredients cold, including the flour, butter, and even the mixing bowl to achieve a flaky crust.
Salt sliced tomatoes and let them sit before patting dry to prevent a soggy crust.
Ensure the oven is fully preheated for a crispy crust.
Pulse until the mixture looks like pea-sized crumbs and add water gradually for the right dough consistency.
Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and reduce shrinkage during baking.
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