Berry tart

The berry tart is a dessert that evokes pleasant summer memories, when fresh fruits display their vibrant colors and intense flavors. This recipe is a perfect combination of textures: the crispy crust, the smooth cream, and the juicy fruits complement each other, creating a delight that will impress any guest. It is a recipe that can be adapted based on available fruits and personal preferences, making it ideal for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 500 g berries (fresh or frozen, but fresh is recommended)
- 300 g flour
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 190 g sugar (plus extra for the fruits, to taste)
- 6 egg yolks
- 375 ml milk (at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons cold water
- 30 g starch
- 1 packet red jelly
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon rose water (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparing the tart:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, adding a pinch of salt. This will help achieve a fine texture. Add the butter cut into cubes and the vanilla sugar, mixing with your fingers until you obtain a crumbly consistency. It is important for the butter to be at room temperature so that it easily integrates into the flour.

2. Adding water:
Add the 4 tablespoons of cold water and gently knead the dough until it comes together. Do not over-knead, as this would develop gluten, making the dough tougher. Once the dough is homogeneous, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the cream:
In another bowl, separate the egg yolks and mix them with 150 g of sugar until they become a light-colored cream. Add the starch and milk, continuing to mix. Transfer the mixture to a double-bottomed saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk until the cream thickens. This is an important step to avoid lumps. Once the cream has thickened, let it cool.

4. Baking the crust:
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and evenly spread it in a 30 cm tart pan, greased with a little butter. Spread it on both the bottom and the edges. Use a fork to prick the dough, preventing air bubbles from forming during baking. Place the pan in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.

5. Baking the dough:
Cover the dough with a sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle dried beans on top (these will prevent the dough from rising). Bake the dough for 15 minutes, then remove the beans and paper and bake for another 20 minutes, or until golden. Let it cool completely.

6. Assembling the tart:
Once the cream has cooled, add the tablespoon of rose water and mix well. Pour the cream over the cooled crust and level it with a spatula. Arrange the berries on top, ensuring they are well-drained (if using frozen fruits, it is essential to thaw and drain them to avoid making the tart too wet). You can sprinkle sugar over the fruits, depending on how sweet they are.

7. Preparing the jelly:
Follow the instructions on the jelly package, using the juice left from the fruits for a more intense flavor and aroma. Pour the jelly evenly over the fruits, ensuring they are well covered.

8. Cooling:
Let the tart cool in the refrigerator for a few hours to set the jelly. Then, it is ready to be sliced and served.

Helpful tips:
- Use fresh fruits for better flavor. Fresh berries are more aromatic and will give the tart an appealing look.
- If you choose to use frozen fruits, make sure to drain them very well to avoid making the tart too wet.
- You can substitute the berries with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apricots, to vary the taste.
- Serve the tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
This tart contains a significant amount of fruits, providing vitamins and antioxidants. Berries are rich in vitamin C and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. Additionally, the butter in the crust brings healthy fats, while the milk in the cream provides calcium.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of flour for the crust? Yes, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste may vary.
- How can I make the tart less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and adjust the sugar on the fruits according to your preferences.
- Can it be prepared a day in advance? Absolutely! The tart keeps well in the refrigerator and is even tastier the next day.

Enjoy this berry tart, a dessert that will turn any meal into a celebration of flavors! Bon appétit!