Tomato-Ricotta Tart

Serves 8.

Note: Can there ever be too many tomato recipes this time of year? Wow guests with a pretty appetizer while you've got the rest of the food cooking. For a complete meal, serve with a hearty tossed salad on the side. Many recipes using phyllo dough require melted clarified butter to be brushed between the sheets. Instead, the author misted the surface with olive oil cooking spray as a shortcut, with good results. From "Tomatoes: 50 Tried & True Recipes," by Julia Rutland (Adventure, 2021).

• 2 lb. mixed tomatoes, cored, seeded and sliced

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 1 c. (4 oz.) shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1/4 c. plain or seasoned breadcrumbs

• 1 (16-oz.) pkg. phyllo dough, thawed

• Olive oil cooking spray

• 1 (15-oz.) container ricotta cheese

• 1 tsp. lemon zest

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 2 egg whites

• 1⁄3 c. slivered or chopped fresh basil

• 1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Combine tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

Combine 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Place 1 sheet phyllo on prepared baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with remaining phyllo and breadcrumb mixture.

Combine ricotta, remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan, lemon zest, salt and egg whites in a bowl. Spread ricotta mixture on top of phyllo, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Arrange tomatoes over ricotta.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed around the edges. Sprinkle with basil and pepper before serving.