Lemon tart

Delicious Lemon Meringue Tart - A Unique Culinary Experience

When it comes to desserts, lemon tart is a true favorite, combining the fresh and tangy flavors of lemon with the sweetness of meringue. This delicious tart recipe is perfect for impressing guests or celebrating special moments with family. Plus, it's a simple recipe with a spectacular result. Let's embark on this culinary adventure together!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 250 g flour
- 125 g cold butter (about ½ package)
- 1 egg yolk
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 2 packets of tart cream (from Dr. Oetker)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 600 ml milk
- Juice of 1 lemon

For the meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 100 g powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the crust

1. Start by preparing the crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the cold butter cut into cubes, the egg yolk, and the pinch of salt. Use your fingers to knead the ingredients until you get a smooth and uniform dough.
2. Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This step is essential for easy rolling later.

Step 2: Baking the crust

3. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until it becomes a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick.
4. Place the rolled dough in a tart pan greased with butter and flour. This will prevent the dough from sticking to the pan.
5. To prevent the dough from puffing up during baking, cover it with parchment paper and add a layer of dried beans or specially designed baking weights.
6. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, until it turns lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool.

Step 3: Preparing the filling

7. While the crust is cooling, you can prepare the lemon filling. In another bowl, mix the two packets of tart cream with 600 ml of milk, the juice of one lemon, and the 2 tablespoons of sugar.
8. Whisk the mixture according to the instructions on the packet, being careful not to make it too sour. This way, you'll get a delicious and flavorful cream.

Step 4: Preparing the meringue

9. Beat the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl with a pinch of salt until they form a foam. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the meringue becomes firm and glossy. It is ready when it forms stiff peaks and does not drip from the whisk.

Step 5: Assembling the tart

10. Remove the parchment paper and beans from the cooled crust. Pour the lemon cream evenly over the tart crust, using a spatula to smooth it out.
11. Add the meringue on top of the cream, using a spatula to create an artistic shape. You can use a fork to create small peaks that will turn golden in the oven.

Step 6: Final baking

12. Place the tart back in the oven at 180°C for 5-7 minutes or until the meringue becomes golden and crispy. Be careful not to leave it too long to avoid burning the meringue!

Step 7: Serving

13. Once the tart has completely cooled, you can slice it and serve. It is delicious both on its own and alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce.

Practical Tips

- Flour: Choose a good quality flour, preferably type 000, to achieve a light and tender crust.
- Butter: Make sure the butter is cold; this is key for a flaky dough.
- Filling: You can add a little vanilla extract to the lemon filling for an extra flavor boost.
- Meringue: If you want a more flavorful meringue, you can add a little lemon juice or almond essence while beating the egg whites.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 5 g

Possible Variations

- Fruit tart: You can add slices of fresh fruit (e.g., raspberries or strawberries) on top of the meringue for a more attractive appearance and extra flavor.
- Flavored meringue: Try adding a little cinnamon or cocoa to the meringue for an interesting taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits? Of course! You can replace lemon with orange or lime to create a tart with a different flavor.
2. How do I store the tart? It is recommended to keep the tart in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. The meringue may become soft if left exposed.
3. Is this a quick dessert recipe? Although preparation may take some time, each step is simple and will give you a spectacular result.

Serving Suggestions

The lemon meringue tart goes wonderfully with fruit tea or fresh lemonade. It can also be served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast of textures and flavors.

In conclusion, this delicious lemon meringue tart will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring an elegant touch to any meal. So don’t hesitate to get cooking and share this recipe with your loved ones!