Apple tart with panna cotta

Delicious apple crostata with panna cotta

When it comes to desserts, crostata is a true symbol of culinary joy. This tart will take you on the wings of pleasant memories, being a recipe that combines Italian tradition with a touch of personal innovation. In this recipe, we will add a fine panna cotta cream and caramelized apples, transforming a simple dessert into a true culinary masterpiece.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 300 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- A pinch of baking powder

*For the filling:*
- 4-5 golden apples (or other sweet apples)
- 200 g raisins
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- A splash of rum essence

*For the panna cotta:*
- 1 packet of panna cotta (approximately 100 g)
- 300 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon of Nutella (optional but recommended for chocolate lovers)

*For the gelatin:*
- A packet of powdered gelatin for tarts
- 250 ml water
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Make a well in the center and add the beaten eggs, sugar, soft butter, and oil. Mix well with a spatula or by hand until you get a smooth dough. It may seem soft and crumbly, but it is perfect for your crostata.

2. Chilling the dough: Shape the dough into a round ball, wrap it in cling film, and let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour. This step is essential for achieving a crispy and tender crust.

3. Preparing the apples: Meanwhile, peel the apples and grate them. Place them in a pot, add 4 tablespoons of sugar, grated lemon zest, and raisins. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Add the rum essence for extra flavor and let the mixture cool.

4. Preparing the panna cotta: In a pot, mix the panna cotta powder with 300 ml of milk. Bring to a boil over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Once ready, let it cool.

5. Baking the crust: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface, using cling film on top to prevent sticking. Roll it into a round shape, slightly larger than the 30 cm pan you will use. Place the dough in the greased and floured pan, being careful not to tear it. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden.

6. Assembling the tarts: Once the crust has cooled, pour the panna cotta over it, followed by the caramelized apple mixture. If you want an extra flavor boost, add a tablespoon of Nutella to the panna cotta and mix well before pouring it.

7. Preparing the gelatin: In a pot, mix the packet of gelatin with 250 ml of water and 2-3 tablespoons of sugar. Heat and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Stir continuously, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the gelatin over the assembled tart, smoothing it with a wet knife.

8. Final cooling: Let the crostata cool for at least 30 minutes for the gelatin to set.

9. Serving: Cut the crostata into slices and serve it as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. This tart is ideal for a festive meal or a gathering with friends.

Useful tips:
- Use ripe apples that won’t disintegrate during cooking, such as golden or granny smith apples, for a balanced sweet and sour taste.
- You can also add other fruits, such as pears or plums, to vary the recipe.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a bit of cinnamon to the filling.

Nutritional benefits: This crostata is a good source of fiber due to the apples and can provide a dose of antioxidants from the raisins. The panna cotta, combined with Nutella, adds a supply of calcium and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier dessert.
- How can I make this recipe vegan? I recommend using an egg substitute (such as banana puree or soy yogurt) and margarine instead of butter.
- Can I freeze the crostata? Yes, it can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to preserve the texture.

Apple crostata with panna cotta is a dessert that combines tradition with innovation, making it perfect for any occasion. Once you try this recipe, it will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!