Delicious Savory Harvest Vegetable Tart: A Wholesome Recipe for Any Occasion

Are you searching for a delightful way to transform those leftover roasted vegetables into something extraordinary? Look no further than this Savory Harvest Vegetable Tart! Imagine a perfectly crisp, golden-brown pastry base, layered with a creamy, herbed cheese spread, and topped with a vibrant medley of tender, hearty roasted vegetables. It’s a dish so appealing, even the pickiest eaters in your family might just ask for seconds.

This tart is not just a clever way to minimize food waste; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors and wholesome ingredients. While it shines with pre-roasted veggies, don’t let an empty fridge stop you! This recipe encourages you to roast a fresh batch of your favorite produce, making it a versatile option for any meal, any time.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Vegetable Tart

This tart is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings together diverse textures and flavors in a harmonious bite. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Versatile & Customizable: Adapt it to any season or whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s perfect for using up garden bounty or those forgotten leftovers.
• Wholesome & Flavorful: Packed with nutritious vegetables and a wholesome honey wheat crust, this tart proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: With its vibrant colors and elegant appearance, this tart is ideal for entertaining, brunch, or a special weeknight dinner.
• A Creative Use for Leftovers: Say goodbye to food waste! This recipe excels at giving new life to roasted vegetables, transforming them into a gourmet meal.

Crafting the Perfect Honey Wheat Pastry Crust

The foundation of any truly great tart is its crust. For this Savory Harvest Vegetable Tart, we create a rustic yet refined honey wheat pastry. Its slightly nutty flavor and satisfying, flaky texture provide the perfect counterpoint to the rich, creamy cheese filling and tender roasted vegetables. While making homemade crust might seem like an extra step, the superior taste and texture are well worth the effort, yielding a base that truly elevates this dish.

Essential Ingredients for Your Honey Wheat Tart Crust

Choosing quality ingredients is key for a crust that is both flavorful and structurally sound.

• Whole Wheat Flour: This provides a denser, nuttier flavor and a heartier texture than standard all-purpose flour. It adds depth and a wholesome quality to the crust. My personal go-to choice is from Sunrise Flour Mill, known for its superior quality.
• Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: Used in combination with whole wheat, it helps to create a more tender and delicate crumb, balancing the robust character of the whole wheat. I always opt for organic, non-GMO, and glyphosate-free flour. Once again, Sunrise Flour Mill, located in Minnesota, is my trusted source for these high-quality flours.
• Granulated Sugar: A small amount adds a touch of subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the crust and aiding in beautiful browning.
• Finely Ground Sea Salt: This is crucial for seasoning the crust itself, bringing out the flavors of the flour and butter. Fine sea salt, harvested from ocean water through evaporation, is minimally processed and retains beneficial trace minerals. Finely ground table salt can be used as an alternative if needed.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Cut into small pieces. The cold temperature of the butter is paramount for achieving a flaky crust; it creates pockets of steam during baking, separating the layers of dough. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content and lets the pure, rich flavor of the butter shine through.
• Cold Water: Filtered or bottled water is preferred for the cleanest taste. Like cold butter, cold water helps to keep the dough temperature low, preventing the butter from melting prematurely and maintaining its structure for flakiness.
• Honey: This ingredient, used in addition to the granulated sugar, rounds out the flavor of the crust, adding a gentle sweetness and complexity that perfectly complements the savory filling.

For those who have been with me for a while, you know how important it is for me to use good quality, organic ingredients in everything I bake and cook for my family. For this recipe, I consistently choose heritage wheat products from Sunrise Flour Mill. This way, I can be certain that there’s no trace of toxic glyphosate in my delicious tart crust, providing peace of mind along with incredible flavor.

Step-by-Step Crust Preparation: From Dough to Golden Base

Making the Dough in a Food Processor

Using a food processor makes quick work of pastry dough, ensuring consistent results and minimizing the risk of overworking the dough, which can lead to a tough crust.

• Place the whole wheat flour, unbleached all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and fine sea salt into the bowl of your food processor. Pulse a few times, just until these dry ingredients are uniformly blended.
• Add the cold unsalted butter pieces, a few at a time, to the flour mixture in the food processor. Pulse in short bursts (about 1-2 seconds each) until the butter is broken down into small, pea-sized pieces. It’s essential that the butter remains cold and distinct; this creates the pockets of fat that yield a flaky crust.
• In a small separate bowl, stir together the cold water and honey until the honey is fully dissolved.
• With the food processor running on low speed, slowly stream the water-honey mixture through the feed tube. Continue to pulse until the dough just begins to stick together in places. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should still appear somewhat crumbly, not forming a solid ball. Overmixing develops gluten too much, resulting in a tough crust.

Chilling and Rolling the Dough

Proper chilling and careful rolling are crucial steps for a perfect tart crust.

• Transfer the dough and any loose, crumbly pieces from the food processor bowl onto a piece of parchment paper.
• Using your hands, gently gather the dough and press the dry pieces together, forming them into a cohesive mound. The goal is to bring the dough together without overworking it.
• Flatten the mound into a thick disk, approximately 1-inch thick. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the dough is firm and easy to handle. This chilling period is vital as it allows the gluten to relax, preventing the crust from shrinking too much during baking, and solidifies the butter for maximum flakiness.
• Before you roll out the dough, let it stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This makes the dough pliable enough to roll without cracking around the edges, but still cold enough to maintain its structure.

Forming the Tart Shell

Creating a beautiful tart shell is easier than you think, especially with the right tools and techniques.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly flour a rolling pin and a clean work surface, such as a piece of parchment paper or a floured board. Roll out the chilled dough, doing your best to form a rectangular shape measuring approximately 15 x 11 inches. Aim for an even thickness across the dough for consistent baking.
• Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 12 x 8.5-inch tart pan (I love using my tart pan with a removable base for a stunning presentation). If you don’t have one, a rimmed baking sheet of a similar size will also work. Center the dough in the middle of the pan, allowing any excess dough to hang over the edges.
• Gently lift the sides of the dough and press it firmly into the bottom crease and up the sides of the pan. Work your way around the entire perimeter, ensuring there are no gaps between the dough and the pan. This prevents the filling from seeping underneath.
• Fold the edge of the dough underneath itself, gently pinching to seal and create a neat, sturdy rim. The edge of the dough should stand flush with the top edge of the tart pan. Trim away any remaining excess dough with a sharp knife for a clean, professional finish.
• Chill the formed tart shell for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final chill helps to solidify the butter once more and prevents the crust from shrinking excessively while baking.

Blind Baking for a Crispy Finish

Blind baking the crust prevents it from getting soggy once the filling is added, ensuring a delightfully crisp base for your tart.

• Cover the chilled dough in the tart pan with a piece of parchment paper, making sure it extends up the sides. Fill the parchment-lined shell with dry beans or ceramic pie weights. These weights prevent the crust from bubbling up and shrinking during baking, ensuring a flat and even base.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are set and beautifully golden.
• Carefully remove the parchment paper along with the dry beans or pie weights. Return the tart shell to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This second bake allows the bottom of the crust to dry out and achieve a golden-brown color, guaranteeing a truly crisp result.
• Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. A fully cooled crust is essential before adding the filling to prevent it from warming the cheese mixture.

The Heart of the Tart: Roasted Vegetables and Creamy Cheese

The true charm of this savory tart lies in its vibrant and flavorful filling. A luscious layer of herbed cheese provides a creamy, tangy foundation, beautifully complemented by a colorful medley of perfectly roasted vegetables. This tart is an ingenious way to utilize leftover roasted veggies, transforming them into an elegant and satisfying meal. However, if you find yourself without any on hand, don’t fret – we’ll guide you through roasting a fresh batch that is just as delightful and essential for this recipe.

Choosing and Roasting Your Vegetables

Whether you’re repurposing leftovers or starting fresh, the secret to a successful vegetable tart is tender, slightly caramelized vegetables that burst with natural sweetness and earthy goodness. Our family favorites often include a mix of root vegetables and robust cruciferous options, offering a delightful blend of textures and complementary flavors.

Our Recommended Vegetable Medley:

• Carrots
• Beets
• Red Onions
• Acorn Squash
• Brussels Sprouts

Other Excellent Options to Consider:

Feel free to get creative and use what’s in season or what you love most!

• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Mushrooms (cremini or button)
• Parsnips
• Fennel
• Sweet Potatoes
• Bell Peppers (any color)
• Asparagus (when in season)
• Zucchini or Summer Squash

Tips for Perfectly Roasted Vegetables:

To ensure your vegetables are at their best for the tart, follow these simple roasting guidelines:

• Uniform Cuts: As you prepare your vegetables, be sure to cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This consistency is critical for ensuring they roast evenly and achieve that desirable tender-crisp texture.
• Single Layer Roasting: Spread the prepared vegetables out in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than roasting, preventing proper caramelization. Use multiple baking sheets if necessary to give them space.
• Seasoning & Olive Oil: Drizzle the vegetables generously with good quality extra-virgin olive oil. Season them simply with salt and freshly ground black pepper. These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the produce without overpowering them.
• Fresh Herb Infusion (Optional): If desired, tuck sprigs of your favorite fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, among the vegetables on the baking sheet. They will infuse the veggies with wonderful aromatic notes as they roast.
• Optimal Roasting: Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, slightly browned, and beautifully caramelized around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as roasting times can vary depending on the specific vegetables and your oven. Allow them to cool to room temperature before assembling the tart.

Let’s gather up what you need to assemble your Savory Harvest Vegetable Tart…

• Prepared Honey Wheat Pastry Crust: Your cooled, blind-baked crust is the perfect vessel.
• Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley (for cheese mixture): Finely chopped. Fresh parsley provides a bright, clean, and vibrant flavor that is far superior to dried. If you absolutely must use dried parsley, use about two teaspoons for every two tablespoons of fresh.
• Shallot: Finely minced or, for a smoother texture, grated. Shallots offer a delicate, sweet, and mild flavor, often described as a subtle cross between an onion and garlic. They add aromatic complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A key seasoning that adds a touch of warmth and enhances the overall savory profile of the filling.
• Cream Cheese: At room temperature. This forms the smooth, rich, and slightly tangy base of the cheese layer. If you’re looking for an alternative, Mascarpone, a rich and creamy Italian cheese, can be used for an even more luxurious texture. Neufchâtel cheese, a lower-fat version of cream cheese, is another excellent option.
• Goat Cheese: At room temperature and softened. Goat cheese brings its distinct tangy, slightly tart flavor and creamy texture to the tart. If its characteristic tanginess isn’t to your preference, a mild ricotta cheese could be a good, softer alternative.
• Roasted Vegetables: About 2 cups, at room temperature and cut into bite-size pieces. These are the stars of your tart, providing wonderful texture, vibrant color, and wholesome flavor. Choose from carrots, beets, red onions, acorn squash, Brussels sprouts, or any of the other suggested options.
• Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley (for garnish): Roughly chopped for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
• Balsamic Glaze: A thicker, sweeter, syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar. Balsamic glaze is readily available in most grocery stores, or you can easily make it at home by simmering balsamic vinegar with a touch of sugar or honey until it thickens. It adds a beautiful sheen and a delightful sweet-tangy counterpoint to the savory flavors.

Assembling Your Savory Harvest Vegetable Tart

With your golden crust cooled and your vegetables roasted to perfection, it’s time to bring all the delicious components together to create this show-stopping tart. This final assembly is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant culinary creation.

• While your honey wheat pastry crust is cooling completely, prepare the creamy herbed cheese mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped fresh parsley, finely minced shallot, freshly ground black pepper, room temperature cream cheese, and softened goat cheese. Stir vigorously with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth, creamy, and easily spreadable.
• Evenly spread the prepared herbed cheese mixture over the bottom of the cooled tart crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer that extends from edge to edge, creating a luxurious base for the vegetables.
• Artfully arrange the room-temperature roasted vegetables evenly over the cheese mixture. Take your time to create an appealing visual display, showcasing the variety of colors and textures from your chosen vegetable medley.
• For a final touch of fresh flavor and vibrant color, garnish the top of the tart with a sprinkle of roughly chopped fresh parsley leaves.

Serving and Enjoying Your Tart

Once your Savory Harvest Vegetable Tart is fully assembled, the final steps are about presentation and savoring the delicious results.

• Carefully remove the tart from its pan. If you used a tart pan with a removable bottom, this step is a breeze! Simply push up the bottom of the pan and transfer the tart to a serving platter or cutting board.
• Just before serving, generously drizzle the entire tart with balsamic glaze. This adds a beautiful glossy sheen and a delightful sweet-tangy counterpoint that enhances the savory flavors of the vegetables and cheese.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the tart into elegant squares or wedges, depending on your preference and the occasion.
• Serve immediately and enjoy this wholesome, flavorful, and visually stunning Savory Harvest Vegetable Tart. It makes an excellent appetizer, a light and satisfying lunch when paired with a fresh green salad, or a delightful centerpiece for brunch or a casual dinner party.

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More Roasted Delights from Our Kitchen

If you’re a fan of roasted goodness, explore some of our other mouth-watering recipes that celebrate the rich flavors and wholesome benefits of roasted ingredients: