Yay! It’s summer! Really! Don’t be fooled by the changeable and frequently chilly weather….. It’s time to get outside and enjoy all the British warm season has to offer…..

And this is the perfect summer tart to celebrate…… Cheerful, vibrant, full of the rich, sweet, colourful flavours of the Mediterranean….. This tart sings of sun, sea, and perfectly sultry, cicada-accompanied evenings.

When Sainsbury’s asked me to join their latest ‘Get Summer Started’ celebrations (as part of their Live Well For Less Campaign) and to think of great food ideas to help get the party going, this tart was my spontaneous response…… I mean…… look at it…… Is there anything that you see that doesn’t shout ‘Summer’ from the rooftops?

Made with my favourite and most reliable almond pastry, the case is short, crisp, light and full of the wonderful nutritional properties that almonds offer. As is the way with most gluten free pastry, it doesn’t always roll perfectly-enough to get into the tin without an occasional crack or snag, but it is amazingly forgiving in that it ‘patches’ and seals like new and never gives you a soggy bottom!

The pastry case is layered with good stuff….. starting with a little mild Italian Mozzerella, a handful of deep green iron-filled baby spinach leaves and some fried red onions and garlic. Next comes the most incredibly beautiful layer of balsamic-roasted cherry tomatoes and roasted sweet baby peppers.

I am in love with roasted vegetables and fruit right now…. The roasting process reduces the liquid content releasing the most amazingly intense flavours you can imagine…… taking the humble tomato, pepper (or anything else you choose) to a new and sensorily exquisite level. A good drizzle of high quality Balsamic (Sainsbury’s have a fantastic range, but it really is worth getting the best you can afford….. I always use a Modena balsamic vinegar, preferably aged), adds an extra depth and slightly sticky richness which enhances the explosion of flavours even further.

Sprinkled with fresh leaves of oregano and sprigs of thyme which fill your head with the pungent aroma of the Greek and Italian mountains and topped with delicate little chunks of chewy Cypriot Halloumi cheese which bake to a salty, crispy edge, this tart will transport your senses to the most magical, sun-kissed  Mediterranean climes……

Add in a grind of fresh black peppercorns for a warming peppery bite…… How good does that sound? Food which is simple yet delicious…… rustic yet sophisticated….

Each mouthful has a careful balance of textures……. The crunch of pastry….. The slight ‘squeak’ that comes only from Halloumi…. The softness of roasted vegetables. The tomatoes (which have been roasted whole) release their juicy interior with every bite, exciting the taste buds with a liquid burst full of fresh summer garden sweetness.

This tart can be made as one large pie (perfect for a family get together) or as individual, or even mini tarts, which look as pretty as they are tempting on any summer garden party table. So what are you waiting for? This is exactly what you need to get summer started!

I am also sharing these amazing tarts with the following :

Cook Blog Share with Lucy at Supergolden Bakes

Recipe of the Week with Emily at A Mummy Too

Food Year Linkup with Charlotte’s Lively Kitchen. This month celebrates a nationwide Free From Feast with Allergy UK as well as a very summery National Picnic Week. This tart would be perfect for both!

Mediterranean Summer Tart (makes 1 x 25 cm/10 inch tart or 5 x 10 cm/4 inch individual tarts)

Ingredients – Almond Pastry