Tomato and Feta Tatin

The Tomato and Feta Tatin is a delicious twist on the classic French tarte Tatin, usually made with apples. This version is a savory dish that works well as both an appetizer and a main course in a summer dinner. Here is the recipe, with an Italian touch in the preparation.

Ingredients

• 1 roll of shortcrust pastry (or puff pastry if you prefer a crunchier version)
• 500 g of cherry or grape tomatoes, ripe but firm
• 200 g of feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• Dried oregano to taste
• Fresh basil to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Butter for greasing the pan

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 190 °C.
2. Grease a tatin pan or a round baking dish with some butter.
3. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the bottom of the pan and add the balsamic vinegar.
4. Cut the tomatoes in half and place them cut side down on the pan, filling the spaces well and creating a spiral from the outside in.
5. Crumble the feta and distribute it among the tomatoes. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, oregano, and a drizzle of oil.
6. Lay the shortcrust pastry over the tomatoes, tucking the edges inside the pan.
7. Bake the Tatin for about 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
8. Let the tarte rest for a few minutes, then flip it onto a serving plate, being careful not to burn yourself.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Curiosity

The classic Tarte Tatin is named after the Tatin sisters, who prepared it in their hotel in the Loire region of France at the end of the 19th century. It is a dish born from a mistake, when one of the sisters put apples in the pan with sugar and butter but forgot to add the pastry before putting it all in the oven. Realizing the mistake, she covered the apples with the pastry and continued cooking; she then inverted the dessert just before serving it, discovering a new delight.

For an even more Italian touch, you might add a bit of pesto over the tarte before serving, giving the dish a more Mediterranean flavor. Enjoy your meal!