Lemon meringue tart

Lemon Meringue Tart - a delicacy that combines the sweetness of meringue with the pleasant acidity of lemon cream, resulting in a refined and elegant dessert. This recipe has its roots in culinary traditions famous for their citrus desserts, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or to celebrate special moments with loved ones. Additionally, it is a simple yet impressive recipe, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

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

Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 package of store-bought tart dough (or you can make your own if you feel adventurous)

For the lemon cream:
- 300 ml milk
- 60 g sugar
- 30 g flour
- 1 whole egg
- 3 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of vanilla sugar
- Juice from one large lemon (about 50 ml)
- 3 tablespoons of whipped cream

For the meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 100 g sugar
- Optional: lemon juice (for a more intense flavor)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the crust
1. Remove the dough from the freezer and let it thaw according to the package instructions. This step is essential as the dough needs to be easy to roll out and not tear.

Step 2: Preparing the lemon cream
2. In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, flour, whole egg, egg yolks, salt, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
4. When the milk starts to boil, reduce the heat and gradually pour the egg mixture over the milk, stirring constantly. This process helps prevent the eggs from curdling.
5. Continue to stir until the cream thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Once it reaches the desired consistency, add the lemon juice and whipped cream. Mix well and let the cream cool slightly.

Step 3: Baking the tart
6. Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan-assisted). Place the tart dough in a tart pan, ensuring it fits well against the sides. If using homemade dough, roll it out evenly and cut it into a circle to fit the pan.
7. Pour the lemon cream over the dough in the pan and level the surface with a spatula.
8. Bake the tart in the bottom of the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cream sets and turns slightly golden.

Step 4: Preparing the meringue
9. While the tart is baking, you can prepare the meringue. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. If desired, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
10. Once the tart is almost done, remove it from the oven, and using a spoon or piping bag, form the meringue on top of the lemon cream. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly.

Step 5: Finishing and serving
11. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the meringue and place the tart back in the oven for an additional minute at maximum temperature to achieve a lightly browned crust.
12. Once the meringue has taken on a golden hue, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool. You can decorate with thin slices of lemon or a few fresh raspberries for a colorful and appetizing look.

Practical tips:
- You can use homemade tart dough for better flavor and texture, but it is perfectly fine to use store-bought to save time.
- If you have leftover egg whites after making the cream, don’t throw them away! You can freeze them for use in other desserts, such as chocolate mousse or egg white pancakes.
- This tart pairs wonderfully with herbal tea or freshly made lemonade to highlight the lemon flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Lemon cream is rich in vitamin C, and the meringue provides protein from egg whites, but like any dessert, it is recommended to be consumed in moderation. The tart is a healthier option compared to many other desserts, due to its simple ingredients and absence of saturated fats.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace lemon with another fruit?
Yes, you can use lime or oranges for a different flavor.

2. How can I tell if the meringue is ready?
The meringue is ready when it has a firm and glossy consistency, and the peak stands up.

3. Is this tart suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using vegan ingredients, such as tofu or almond milk, instead of eggs and milk.

Possible variations:
- Fruit tart: You can add berries on top of the meringue for an extra freshness.
- Flavored meringue: Try adding a few drops of vanilla extract or almond essence to the meringue for a special taste.

This lemon meringue tart is not only a delicious dessert but also a cooking experience that will bring smiles to your face and joy to your soul. Enjoy!