If you've been reading the blog for a while, you might think that this pesto tomato tart recipe sounds very 'me'. It's easy, it's cheesy, and it uses nice, straightforward ingredients. But actually, this recipe was written by a lovely lady called Isabella, who wrote the blog Coriander Queen. Izzie passed away a few weeks ago at the age of 29.
As I've mentioned before, the food blogging community is a close one. Despite living all around the country (and even the world!), we food bloggers keep in touch with each other on a daily basis, we meet up in person regularly, and we try to support each other whenever we can - so we're definitely feeling the loss of Izzie. She was warm and kind, and never seemed to let her illness bring her down. She was also passionate about food and blogging.
As a community, we thought we'd all pull together today to remember Isabella in the only way we know how - by cooking! We've each chosen a recipe from Izzie's blog to share today, and I went for this easy pesto tomato tart. I've copied out my own version of the recipe below, since Izzie's blog has now been taken offline.
As you'll see from the title of this recipe, this pesto tomato tart only needs 5 simple ingredients - plus a little fresh basil for garnishing, if you're feeling fancy. I actually nearly skipped the basil garnish, because the supermarket didn't have the kind I usually buy - but when I saw what they were selling instead, I knew I had to get some.
Isabella basil. I'm not sure whether I believe in fate, but if it exists, I imagine this is it.
I can't drink wine at the moment, but if I could, I would have served a big glass of white alongside this pesto tomato tart, and raised it up high in a toast to Izzie. I hope you're resting in peace.
📖 Printable Recipe
Easy 5 ingredient pesto tomato tart
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Print Pin CommentIngredients
- ~ 8 pieces sun-dried tomato
- 200 g puff pastry (enough for 4 rectangles measuring ~ 6 x 5 inches)
- 4 teaspoon basil pesto
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoon pine nuts
- Fresh basil, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 190°C (Gas Mark 5 / 375°F).
- If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, lay them on a piece of kitchen paper for a few minutes to drain any excess oil.
- Roll out the puff pastry, and cut into 4 rectangles. Score a line around each rectangle, about 1cm in from the edge, to form a border (don’t cut all the way through the pastry). Prick the centre of each rectangle a few times with a fork.
- Spread each pastry rectangle with a little basil pesto. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, and scatter over the pastry. Add a little black pepper, then bake for around 15-20 minutes, until the pastry is crispy and the cheese is golden brown.
- While the tarts are baking, add the pine nuts to a dry frying pan, and toast over a medium heat for a few minutes, stirring regularly, until golden brown.
- Serve the pesto tomato tarts with the toasted pine nuts and some fresh basil, if desired.
Nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on your exact ingredients. Please calculate your own nutritional values if you require accuracy for health reasons.
Note: Nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on exactly what ingredients you choose. Information above is for 1 tart.
Caterina says
This looks incredible! Yum!
Andrea @ The Petite Cook says
Love how simple these tarts, and such a great combo of flavors! I'm sure Izzie would have loved them too x
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Thanks Andrea :)
Erin says
What a beautiful tribute you have all made. May God bless you, your friends, and Isabella's family.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Thanks Erin <3
Megan says
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend and at such a young age too. This recipe sounds delightful, I will be making this very soon. And the basil, it is a sign for sure! Thanks for all of your lovely recipes!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Thanks Megan! I couldn't believe it when I saw the basil.
Camilla says
Love these tarts, you have done Izzie proud! How uncanny for the Basil to be called Isabella!!
Ceri Jones says
Love the sound of this simple recipe, what a lovely post you have written, and as for the Isabella basil, I can hardly believe it. What fate, Isabella would have loved that (even though it isn't coriander ;0) !
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Hehe yes Isabella coriander would have been even more fitting ;)
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Wow, Isabella basil! That's definitely a sign. These look so moreish. A lovely tribute to Izzie.
Lucy says
Isabella basil is certainly a sign! Your pesto tart looks gorgeous, a great tribute
Janice says
Oh my goodness, I couldn't believe that Isabella Basil! Such a great recipe and you have done Izzie proud.
Choclette says
There were so many delicious recipes to choose from Izzie's blog, it was really quite difficult making a choice. But right now I very much want a slice of this tart.