Rustic Heirloom Tomato Tart

Ingredients:

• 2 vegan puff pastry sheets (or our Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust recipe)
• 2 lbs. heirloom tomatoes
• 1 12-oz. package extra-firm silken tofu
• 3 tsp. lemon juice
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. agave nectar (or maple syrup)
• ½ Tbsp. nutritional yeast
• 2 Tbsp. tapioca starch
• 1 tsp. olive oil (plus extra for brushing the puff pastry)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ Tbsp. fresh thyme, divided

Method:

1. Remove the puff pastry sheets from the freezer and set on your kitchen counter to thaw. Slice the tomatoes into ¼-inch thick pieces and place them in a mesh strainer over a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the tomato slices with salt to release moisture. Check on the tomatoes every 10 minutes or so and pour off liquid that collects in the bowl.

2. Meanwhile, make the vegan cheese. If you haven’t already, drain the tofu and press between a few layers of paper towels to remove as much water as possible. Add the tofu to the bowl of a food processor or blender along with the lemon juice, salt, agave nectar, nutritional yeast, and tapioca starch. Blend until creamy and adjust seasonings to taste (I added a pinch more salt).

3. Preheat your oven to 350F degrees. Unfold the puff pastry sheets. They should be thawed, but still cold. Use a rolling pin to flatten them to about ⅛-inch thick. Place the puff pastry sheets on two baking sheets.

4. Warm a teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook until just golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vegan cheese mixture. As the heat activates the tapioca starch, the mixture will thicken and become gooey. This should take 3 to 5 minutes. At this time, sprinkle in a tablespoon of fresh thyme. Remove from heat.