Blackberry and Kiwi Tart

Blackberry and Kiwi Tart: A Fruity Delight that Will Enchant Your Senses

Are you looking for a dessert recipe that will impress and indulge your taste buds? Get ready to discover a delicious tart with blackberries and kiwi, perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh fruits, smooth vanilla cream, and crispy crust blends into a harmony of flavors that will brighten your day. This recipe is not only simple but also colorful and vibrant, bringing a touch of nature to your plate.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

The History of Fruit Tart

The tart, as a concept, has deep roots in culinary history, evolving over the centuries. Originally from Europe, the tart has become a form of culinary art, combining pastry with various fillings, from sweet to savory. The fruit tart blends tradition with freshness, adding a note of originality and creativity to each dish.

Ingredients for the Tart Dough

- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 400 g flour
- 1 teaspoon of cold water
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- a pinch of salt

Ingredients for the Vanilla Cream

- 500 ml milk
- 100 g sugar
- 40 g flour (or cornstarch)
- 4 egg yolks
- vanilla essence
- vanilla sugar

Ingredients for Decoration

- 3 kiwis (sliced)
- 4 cups of blackberries (approximately 300 g)

Preparing the Tart Dough

1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential to avoid lumps and achieve a fine dough.

2. Add the butter cut into cubes, salt, and sugar. Use your fingers to mix the ingredients until you achieve a sandy texture.

3. In another bowl, beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture. Also, add the teaspoon of cold water. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help the dough to become easier to roll out and prevent it from shrinking during baking.

5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). After 30 minutes, grease a tart pan with a little butter to prevent sticking.

6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface using a rolling pin. Ensure that the dough has an even thickness of about 3-4 mm.

7. Place the dough in the tart pan, making sure it fits well on the bottom and sides. Spread it evenly and prick it in several places with a fork to prevent puffing.

8. Bake the tart in the oven for 20 minutes or until it turns golden. Make sure to keep an eye on it, as each oven bakes differently. After baking, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool.

Preparing the Vanilla Cream

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, vanilla essence, and vanilla sugar. Place the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the 4 egg yolks with the flour (or cornstarch). When the milk starts to bubble, gradually add about 10 tablespoons of it to the yolk mixture, stirring well to prevent coagulation.

3. Transfer the yolk mixture to the saucepan with milk, continuing to stir with a whisk. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens and comes to a boil.

4. Once the cream is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat and place it in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking. Stir for 2-3 minutes to prevent a crust from forming.

Assembling the Tart

1. After the dough has completely cooled, pour the vanilla cream over it, smoothing it out with a spatula.

2. Arrange the kiwi slices and blackberries on top of the cream, ensuring it looks aesthetically pleasing and appetizing. You can also use other seasonal fruits to add variety and color.

3. Let the tart chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the cream to set.

Serving Suggestions

The blackberry and kiwi tart can be served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of flavor. It pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a cold lemonade, making it an ideal dessert for warm summer days.

Nutritional Benefits

This tart is not only delicious but also nutritious. Kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, while blackberries are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals. Additionally, the vanilla cream adds a boost of calcium and milk protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fruits for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in the tart.

2. How can I customize the vanilla cream?
You can add a bit of cocoa for a chocolate cream, or you can replace the vanilla with almond essence for a different flavor.

3. How long can the tart be kept?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate the crunchy texture of the crust.

4. What other recipes can it be paired with?
This tart pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a fruit sorbet. A glass of prosecco or a mint lemonade will also perfectly complement the meal.

Tips for a Perfect Result

- Use room temperature ingredients for a more homogeneous dough.
- Do not overheat the vanilla cream; stir constantly and over low heat to avoid lumps.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations to create various versions of this tart.

I hope this blackberry and kiwi tart recipe brings joy to your table. Don’t hesitate to share the result with your loved ones; they will surely appreciate your effort and will want to try this delicacy too! Enjoy!