RUSTIC MARKET TARTS

Rustic Market Tarts image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Makes 6 tarts

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110 degrees)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
Pinch of sugar
3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons coarse salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces
Extra-virgin olive oil, for bowl and wrap
3 cups fresh ricotta cheese (24 ounces), drained in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth 3 hours or overnight
Assorted vegetable toppings
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Coarse yellow cornmeal

Steps:

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.
Using the dough-hook attachment, slowly beat in flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough is tacky, but not sticky. Add salt; mix until combined. Add butter a few pieces at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Continue beating until smooth, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large oiled bowl. Cover with oiled plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. If using, heat a pizza stone or tile on lower rack, 20 minutes. Punch down dough. Divide into six equal pieces. Place one piece on a clean surface; cover others with a clean kitchen towel while you work.
Gently pull and stretch dough into an 11-by-5-inch rectangle. Spread with 1/2 cup ricotta. Add desired toppings, and season with salt and pepper. Repeat with remaining dough and toppings.
Sprinkle a pizza peel or inverted baking sheet with cornmeal. Place tarts on peel, and slide onto heated stone or place baking sheet in oven. Bake until crust is golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
Drizzle baked tarts with oil, if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.