1sheet puff pastry 25 cm x 25 cm (10x10inches) thawed but still chilled
1large eggbeaten
Roast tomatoes
250grams(8 ounces) of cherry tomatoes
1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
Ricotta topping
125grams(½ cup) ricotta cheese
25grams(1) spring onions, finely minced
1teaspoondried parsley or dried herbs of your choice
⅛cupfresh basilchopped
zest of a lemon - optional
lemon juiceto taste
Garnish (optional)
balsamic glaze
basil leaves
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (425°F)
Working with chilled pastry. Cut the pastry into four equal squares and place these on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Next, use a pointed knife and a ruler as a guide to create a 2.5cm (1 inch) border around each pastry square, be careful not to cut through the pastry.
Use a fork to dock (poke holes) in the pastry square that lays inside the borders' edge - don't poke holes in the 2.5 cm (1 inch) border.
Use a pastry brush and brush the edges with a lightly beaten egg. Note: If the pastry has warmed up (which can happen on a hot day) put it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking because it needs to be cold when baked.
Place in the hot oven and bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven - but don't turn off the oven just yet, because you will be roasting the tomatoes next.
If the center of the pastry has puffed up, use the back of a spoon to push it down while it is still warm.
Roast tomatoes
Place the whole cherry tomatoes onto a bowl, add oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss well to coat, transfer to a lined baking tray.
Place in a hot oven and roast for 12 – 15 minutes or until the tomatoes soften and burst.
While tomatoes are roasting make the ricotta spread.
Make ricotta spread
Place the ricotta cheese, spring onions, dried parsley, basil leaves, zest, and lemon juice into a small bowl and mix well. Taste for salt and add to taste.
Assemble
Spread about ¼ of the cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square.
Top with warm cherry tomatoes
Garnish with balsamic vinegar and basil leaves. Serve immediately.