Name: Mediterranean Tuna, Pepper & Courgette Tart Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 320g pack ready-rolled puff pastry; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 courgettes, coarsely grated; 150g pack garlic & herb soft cheese (we used Boursin); 185g can tuna in spring water, drained and broken into flakes; 140g ready-roasted peppers, sliced into strips; 1 tbsp capers in brine, drained; 8 pitted black olives

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Introduction

This Mediterranean tuna, pepper, and courgette tart is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and flavorful tuna on a crisp puff pastry base. Perfect for a light lunch or a delicious appetizer, it’s simple to prepare and full of vibrant ingredients.

A rectangular puff pastry tart with a thin golden-brown crust forms the base. On top, a creamy white layer mixed with small green bits, likely chopped vegetables or herbs, spreads evenly. Scattered across this layer are pieces of light pink cooked chicken, black olives, and capers adding dark spots. Bright red strips of roasted bell pepper are laid in a crisscross pattern over the entire tart. One square piece is cut and slightly pulled out to the right side, revealing the crisp edges of the pastry. The tart is placed on a white board with a knife featuring a wooden handle below it. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

320g pack ready-rolled puff pastry
1 tbsp olive oil
2 courgettes, coarsely grated
150g pack garlic & herb soft cheese (we used Boursin)
185g can tuna in spring water, drained and broken into flakes
140g ready-roasted peppers, sliced into strips
1 tbsp capers in brine, drained
8 pitted black olives

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or gas mark 7. Unroll the puff pastry onto a large baking sheet lined with baking parchment. Using a sharp knife, score a 1cm border around the edges, being careful not to cut through the pastry. Prick the area inside the border with a fork to prevent excessive rising. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 2: While the pastry bakes, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the grated courgettes and cook until tender and most of the moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, then mix with the garlic and herb soft cheese.
Step 3: Remove the pastry base from the oven. Gently press down any puffed areas inside the border with the back of a spoon. Spread the courgette and cheese mixture evenly over the pastry inside the border.
Step 4: Scatter the flaked tuna over the courgette mixture, then arrange the roasted pepper strips on top. Sprinkle the capers over the tart, and finally dot with the pitted black olives.
Step 5: Return the tart to the oven and bake for a further 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden, puffed, and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of dried oregano or fresh basil leaves before baking.
Swap the garlic and herb cheese for goat cheese or cream cheese for a different taste.
Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of roasted peppers for a tangier twist.
If you prefer a crispier tart, brush the border with a little beaten egg before the first bake.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven to keep the pastry crisp, or enjoy cold as a tasty snack. Avoid microwaving to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A rectangular pizza on a white rectangular plate with a thin golden crust. The pizza has three layers: the base crust, a creamy white cheese and herb spread with green flecks, and toppings of sliced white chicken, whole black olives, green peas, and long strips of roasted red pepper placed diagonally across. One square piece is cut and slightly lifted by a woman's hand using a knife with a wooden handle at the bottom left of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

While fresh tuna can be used, it will need to be cooked and flaked before adding to the tart. Canned tuna is convenient and already cooked, making it ideal for this recipe.

Is it possible to make this tart gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular puff pastry with a gluten-free variety available at many stores. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.