Chorizo, Tomato and Goat Cheese Tartlet

Chorizo, Tomato and Goat Cheese Tartlet

Welcome to Eatimi.com! I’m Olivia Hart — a home-cook who believes delicious food doesn’t need complicated techniques. Here I share easy everyday recipes, family meals, quick ideas for busy days and helpful kitchen tips to make cooking simple and fun. My goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen and enjoy homemade food with joy, comfort and love. 💛

Creating the perfect bite-sized treat often requires inspiration from the ingredients you have on hand. One of my most cherished moments in the kitchen involves experimenting with chorizo, cherry tomatoes, and creamy goat cheese. This trio of flavours delivers comfort and indulgence in each tartlet.

I remember the first time I whipped up these chorizo, tomato and goat cheese tartlets for a casual gathering. Friends raved as they popped them into their mouths, savouring the balance of spice and freshness. Preparing these tartlets became a delightful ritual, adding warmth and joy to my cooking adventures.

The preparations are straightforward, and the result is nothing short of impressive. With each ingredient playing a significant role, these tartlets bring together crispy pastry and a sumptuous filling, making them an ideal choice for appetizers or a light meal.

Chorizo, Tomato and Goat Cheese Tartlet

Fundamentals

The foundation of these tartlets starts with a good pâte brisée. This buttery pastry supports the rich and hearty filling while adding delightful crispness. You can opt for ready-made pastry or make your own from scratch. Both approaches lead to delicious results.

Choosing quality chorizo is another essential step. Preferably, use spicy, flavourful slices that complement the sweetness of cherry tomatoes. Fresh goat cheese adds a creamy texture that binds the other ingredients together. The combination of tangy cheese with the other flavours truly enhances each bite.

Preparation/setup

Get your kitchen tools ready for this recipe. You will need tartlet tins or individual ramekins to shape the pastry. Gather all your ingredients beforehand for a smooth cooking experience. This step appeals to creating a fun atmosphere that keeps your motivation high.

Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C. While the oven warms up, you can start cutting the pâte brisée into circles that fit your tartlet tins. Place the dough in the tins, ensuring they are shaped well with no cracks, as this helps prevent leaks during baking.

Pricking the bottom of each tartlet shell with a fork creates space for steam to escape, ensuring they bake evenly. This technique keeps the pastry light and prevents a soggy base, which is critical for the perfect tartlet.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for delicious chorizo, tomato, and goat cheese tartlets:

• 1 pâte brisée, ready-made or homemade
• 150 g chorizo, finely sliced
• 100 g fresh goat cheese, crumbled
• 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 whole eggs
• 200 ml dense crème fraîche
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Fine salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (thermostat 6).
2. Cut the pâte brisée into circles that fit your tartlet moulds.
3. Press the pastry into the moulds, ensuring an even distribution, and form the edges neatly.
4. Use a fork to prick the bottom of each tartlet shell.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Evenly distribute the chorizo slices and the halved cherry tomatoes across the tartlet bases.
7. Pour the egg and crème mixture over the chorizo and tomatoes.
8. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese evenly on top of the tartlets.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown.
10. Allow to cool slightly before gently removing the tartlets from their moulds.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
12. Serve the tartlets warm or cold, as preferred.

Chorizo, Tomato and Goat Cheese Tartlets: Techniques And Tips

Technique

Mastering the technique of creating tartlets elevates your cooking skills. Timing plays a crucial role, from ensuring your pastry doesn’t overbake to achieving a perfectly set filling. Monitoring the baking process can save you from burnt edges or undercooked centres.

Using fresh, seasonal ingredients enhances the flavour and presentation of your tartlets. Always taste your filling mixture before adding it to the shells. Adjust the seasoning if needed, as every brand of chorizo can differ in intensity.

Tips/tricks

• For a more pronounced flavour, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the filling mixture. The sweetness of caramelized onions works well with the spiciness of chorizo.
• Consider experimenting with other cheeses if goat cheese isn’t your favourite. Feta or ricotta could work well as substitutes.
• If you don’t have fresh basil, other herbs like thyme or parsley can add a lovely touch.
• Fully cool any leftover tartlets before storing them in an airtight container to maintain texture.

Chorizo, Tomato and Goat Cheese Tartlets: Perfecting Your Results

Perfecting results

Achieving perfectly baked tartlets is all about practice and attention to detail. Checking your oven’s temperature regularly ensures it maintains the right heat. An oven thermometer helps if you’re uncertain about your oven’s accuracy.

Don’t hesitate to use the “toothpick test” on the centre of the filling. If it comes out clean, your tartlets are done. Ensure to wait a few minutes before handling them; they will set a little more as they cool.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your tartlet shells don’t hold their shape during baking, they might need more pricking or a thicker layer of pastry. Resting the dough before you roll it out also helps maintain structure.

In case your filling overflows, double-check that your tartlet shells have sufficient height. Alternatively, increase the amount of chorizo or cheese for added richness and alter the balance of flavours to suit your taste.

Chorizo, Tomato and Goat Cheese Tartlets: Serving and Storage

Serving/presentation

Presentation elevates the dining experience. Serve these tartlets on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of colour. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Consider adding a touch of balsamic glaze over the top for a gourmet look. This drizzling adds a sweet acidity that complements the richness of the tartlets beautifully.

Pairings/storage

These tartlets pair wonderfully with fresh salads or grilled vegetables. They make excellent party food or light lunches and can be made ahead of time. Store any leftovers in the fridge, which remain delicious when reheated in the oven for a few minutes.

To keep your tartlets crispy when storing, avoid sealing them tightly. Instead, place them in a container lined with parchment to maintain the texture and flavour for your next enjoyment.

Chorizo, tomato, and goat cheese tartlets embody the essence of easy cooking with delightful flavours. Each tartlet promises a burst of taste, making any occasion feel special.

Chorizo, Tomato and Goat Cheese Tartlet

These bite-sized chorizo, tomato, and goat cheese tartlets deliver a comforting and indulgent treat, perfect for appetizers or light meals.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 tartlets

Course: Appetizer, Light Meal

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Spanish

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients  

Tartlet Base

• 1 pâte brisée, ready-made or homemade Can be homemade or store-bought.

Filling

• 150 g chorizo, finely sliced Use spicy, flavourful slices.
• 100 g fresh goat cheese, crumbled Adds creaminess to the filling.
• 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved Provides sweetness and freshness.
• 2 whole eggs Bind the filling together.
• 200 ml dense crème fraîche Provides creaminess and richness.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds a tangy flavour.
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Enhances richness.
• to taste fine salt and freshly ground black pepper Season to your preference.
• optional fresh basil leaves For garnish.

Method 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (thermostat 6).
2. Cut the pâte brisée into circles that fit your tartlet moulds.
3. Press the pastry into the moulds, ensuring an even distribution, and form the edges neatly.
4. Use a fork to prick the bottom of each tartlet shell.

Filling

1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Evenly distribute the chorizo slices and the halved cherry tomatoes across the tartlet bases.
3. Pour the egg and crème mixture over the chorizo and tomatoes.
4. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese evenly on top of the tartlets.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown.
2. Allow to cool slightly before gently removing the tartlets from their moulds.
3. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
4. Serve the tartlets warm or cold, as preferred.

Notes

For enhanced flavour, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the filling mixture. If goat cheese isn’t preferred, feta or ricotta could be used as substitutes. Store any leftover tartlets in the fridge, and reheat in the oven to maintain texture.