Mango tart

Mango Tart - An Exotic Delight at Home

Mango tart is a dessert that combines the juicy sweetness of exotic fruits with a fine vanilla cream and a crispy crust, offering a perfect indulgence for any occasion. This recipe is simple, but the result is truly spectacular. Whether you serve it at a party, at a family meal, or simply to treat yourself, the mango tart will bring a smile to anyone's face.

Total Preparation Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Number of Servings: 8

The History of Tarts
Tart is a type of dessert with deep roots in culinary tradition, with origins spanning several centuries. Over time, the tart has evolved, drawing inspiration from various cultures and available ingredients. Fruit tarts have become popular due to their versatility, allowing for the use of a variety of seasonal fruits. Mango, with its tropical flavor and juicy texture, is the perfect choice to add a touch of exoticism.

Ingredients Needed
For the crust:
- 250 g flour
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 100 g cold butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon or orange (optional, for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or water/milk, to taste)

For the vanilla cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 100 g butter
- 3 eggs
- Vanilla extract (or a vanilla pod)
- 100 g sugar (or to taste)

For the filling:
- 3 mangoes (or other fruits of your choice, such as strawberries, kiwi, or peaches)
- 1 packet of cake gel (gelatin for cake), prepared according to package instructions

Making Mango Tart Step by Step

Step 1: Making the Crust
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. The mixture should be uniform, and the powdered sugar will add a subtle sweetness.
2. Add the cold cubed butter. Use your fingertips to mix the butter with the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This technique is essential for achieving a tender crust.
3. Add the egg, extracts, and citrus zest. Start mixing gently, then add the sour cream (or water/milk) to help form the dough.
4. Knead the dough lightly until it becomes smooth. Do not over-knead, as this could lead to a denser crust.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for one hour. This will make it easier to roll out and improve its texture after chilling.

Step 2: Baking the Crust
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. A well-regulated temperature is crucial for even baking of the crust.
2. Grease a tart pan with butter to prevent sticking.
3. After chilling the dough, roll it out into an even and thin layer, then place it in the tart pan. Make sure the dough aligns with the edges of the pan.
4. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden. Check occasionally to ensure it does not burn.

Step 3: Preparing the Vanilla Cream
1. In a double-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until smooth. Add the flour and mix well to avoid lumps.
3. When the milk starts to boil, slowly pour it over the egg mixture, stirring vigorously. This will help temper the eggs and prevent them from coagulating.
4. Return the milk and egg mixture to the heat and stir constantly until the cream thickens, reaching the desired consistency (similar to heavy cream). It is important to be patient at this stage and not let the cream boil too hard.
5. Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the cream becomes glossy.

Step 4: Assembling the Tart
1. After the crust has completely cooled, pour the vanilla cream over it, leveling it evenly.
2. Peel the mango and cut it into thin slices or cubes, then arrange it beautifully over the vanilla cream.
3. Prepare the cake gel according to the package instructions and carefully pour it over the mango to set it and give it an appealing look.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving
1. Allow the tart to cool at room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set well.
2. Serve the tart with a scoop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you want an even more indulgent dessert.

Practical Tips:
- Use good quality butter to achieve a crust with a rich flavor.
- If you want to try a variation, you can also add other seasonal fruits, such as berries or peaches, to diversify the flavors.
- Make sure the mango is well-ripened to get the maximum sweetness and juiciness.

Nutritional Benefits:
Mango tart is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Mango is rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and vitamin A, beneficial for eye health. Additionally, the vanilla cream provides protein from the eggs, while the butter and sour cream add healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of mango?
Yes, you can use any preferred fruits. Strawberries, kiwi, or peaches are all excellent choices.
2. How can I store the tart?
The tart keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a plant-based egg substitute and the butter with vegan margarine.

This mango tart is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that combines exotic textures and flavors, perfect for impressing friends and family. So put on your apron and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!