Summer in Provence means peak tomato harvest. Nearly every meal is served with some variation of juicy tomato included. When hosting in the hot days of August, I like to prep the meal in advance and serve it room-temperature, or even cold.
Sun-filled flavors straight from Provence...this tomato and courgette tart layers the sweetness of summer vegetables over a mustard-kissed base, with a silky crème fraîche custard. Baked until golden, it's as good warm from the oven as it is served at room temperature. It is a perfect element for a lingering apéro under a fading Provence evening sky.
Ingredients (serves 6)
• 1 pastry dough - shortcrust (homemade or quality store-bought)
• 3 medium courgettes (green and/or yellow for color contrast)
• 5 firm, ripe tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or sweet Provençal mustard)
• 2/3 cup crème fraîche épaisse
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Herbes de Provence (thyme, oregano, rosemary)
• Sea salt & freshly ground pepper
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Roll out the pastry crust and fit it into a tart tin. Prick the base with a fork. Blind bake for 8 minutes.
3. Spread the mustard evenly over the warm crust.
4. In a bowl, whisk together crème fraîche, eggs, a little salt, pepper, and Herbes de Provence. Pour the mixture into the crust, spreading evenly.
5. Prepare the vegetables:
• Slice courgettes lengthwise into thin ribbons using a mandoline or vegetable peeler.
• Slice tomatoes into thin rounds, then cut each round in half (so they bend more easily).
6. Starting from the outside edge of the tart, arrange alternating courgette ribbons and tomato slices upright, skin side up, to form a spiral, working your way toward the center. The slices should be slightly pressed into the crème mixture so they stand upright but remain visible.
7. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, sprinkle more Herbes de Provence, and scatter cheese if using.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the top is golden.
9. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help the spiral hold together.
