Lemon tart

Royal lemon meringue tart – a quick, tasty, and refreshing dessert

Discover the joy of cooking with this lemon tart recipe, sourced from a royal cookbook. This simple yet sophisticated dessert perfectly combines the fresh flavor of lemon with the light texture of meringue, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this tart will quickly become your favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:
- 250 g plain biscuits (you can choose digestive biscuits for a richer flavor)
- 125 g unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 400 ml condensed milk (choose the unsweetened version to control the sweetness)
- 200 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 200 g sugar

A bit of history:
Lemon tart is a classic dessert that has gained popularity over time due to its combination of sweet and sour flavors. It is a popular choice in many cultures, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Each bite of this tart will transport you to sunny summer days, even when the weather outside is not so friendly.

Step by step, how to prepare the tart:

1. Prepare the crust: Start by crushing the biscuits. You can do this either with a blender or by placing the biscuits in a clean towel and crushing them with a rolling pin. Your goal is to achieve fine crumbs.

2. Mix with the butter: In a bowl, combine the crushed biscuits with the melted butter. Mix well until you have a homogeneous mixture that should have a consistency similar to wet sand.

3. Form the tart base: Take the biscuit mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of a tart pan with a removable bottom. Make sure it is well compacted to support the lemon cream.

4. Prepare the lemon cream: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Use an electric mixer to beat the yolks with the sugar until you get a smooth cream. Gradually add the condensed milk and lemon juice, continuing to mix. It is important to add the lemon juice gradually to avoid the mixture from curdling.

5. Pour the cream over the crust: Once you have a homogeneous mixture, carefully pour the lemon cream over the biscuit base.

6. Prepare the meringue: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until they become frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This process may take a few minutes, but don't rush; the result is worth the wait.

7. Finish the tart: Use a piping bag to form peaks of meringue on top of the lemon cream. This detail will not only look spectacular but will also provide a contrasting texture.

8. Bake the tart: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the tart in the oven and let it bake for 35 minutes, or until the meringue turns golden.

9. Cool and serve: After removing the tart from the oven, let it cool at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours. This step is essential to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Practical tips:
- You can add some grated lemon zest to the lemon cream for extra flavor.
- If you want a more flavored meringue, you can replace some of the sugar with vanilla sugar.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature; this will help achieve a better consistency for the meringue.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each serving of tart contains approximately 350-400 calories. This tart is not only a sweet treat but also a source of vitamin C from the lemons, which helps strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use gluten-free biscuits? Yes, you can use rice flour biscuits or a gluten-free alternative.
- How can I make this tart less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the meringue and the lemon cream.
- What other flavors can I add? You can experiment with vanilla or orange extract for a different flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for a delicious contrast. A cup of citrus tea or fresh lemonade will perfectly complement the meal.

Possible variations:
Instead of using lemon, you can try oranges or grapefruit for a different flavor. You can also add fresh berries on top of the meringue for a more vibrant look and taste.

So, enjoy this royal tart, which combines tradition and innovation, bringing a touch of beauty and flavor to your table. Each bite is an invitation to indulge and a testament that cooking can be a satisfying art!