Mini lime tarts

Delicious Mini Lime and Lemon Tarts

If you are looking for a quick and tasty dessert, mini lime and lemon tarts will surely become your favorites. These little delights combine the freshness of citrus fruits with a crispy crust, resulting in the perfect treat for any occasion. Moreover, making them is a flavorful adventure that will delight your senses and bring a touch of sunshine to every bite.

The history of this dessert is fascinating, and citrus tarts have been loved throughout time for their simplicity and refined taste. Whether you prepare them for a party, a family dinner, or simply to indulge yourself, each mini tart is a little work of art.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 300 g flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 125 g butter (you can use 40 g butter and the rest margarine)
- 1 egg (only the yolk)
- 1 teaspoon grated lime and lemon zest
- 2-3 tablespoons water (enough to bind the dough)

For the filling:
- 3 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 200 ml liquid cream
- Juice from 2 limes

Detailed Instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by grating the lime and lemon zest. Choose fresh citrus fruits, as the zest will add an intense flavor to your tart. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier handling.

2. Preparing the crust:
In a large bowl, combine the butter (or margarine) with sugar and flour. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to obtain a crumbly mixture. Add the lime and lemon zest, egg yolk, and water. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is essential for achieving the perfect crust texture.

3. Forming the mini tarts:
Instead of using a large tart pan, opt for a muffin tin to create individual portions. Grease each cavity with oil to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out with a rolling pin or your hands, then place them in each cavity, ensuring the dough covers the sides well. Chill the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

4. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar, add the flour, vanilla sugar, and liquid cream. Don’t forget to add the lime juice and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This will become the delicious filling for the crust.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Remove the dough from the refrigerator, fill each mini tart with the prepared filling, and bake for 30 minutes or until the tarts are lightly golden. You will notice the citrus aroma filling the entire kitchen!

6. Cooling and serving:
After taking them out of the oven, let the mini tarts cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a cooling rack. These mini lime and lemon tarts are delicious served plain, but you can accompany them with a scoop of ice cream for a pleasant contrast of temperature and texture.

Practical Tips
- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh citrus fruits and good-quality butter for an intense flavor.
- Vary the flavors: You can add other citrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruit, for a different taste.
- Decoration: Give them an attractive look with a bit of whipped cream on top or thin slices of lime.

Nutritional Benefits
These mini tarts are a good source of vitamin C from citrus fruits, which helps strengthen the immune system. They also contain healthy fats from butter and can be a better choice than other desserts loaded with refined sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will be different.
- How can I store the mini tarts? You can store the mini tarts in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- What drinks pair well with this dessert? A chilled green tea or a summer fruit cocktail pairs perfectly with your fresh tarts.

In conclusion, mini lime and lemon tarts are not only easy to make but also an ideal choice to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. Make them with love and enjoy every bite!