Nut cream and red currant tart

Walnut Cream and Red Currant Tart: A Sweet and Tart Delight

This walnut cream and red currant tart is a true culinary delight, perfect for any occasion. The red currants, with their slightly tart flavor, blend perfectly with the walnut cream, creating a contrast of flavors that will delight any palate. Whether served at a festive meal or as a weekly dessert, this recipe is simple, quick, and most importantly, delicious. Let’s see how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 2 hours
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours and 55 minutes
- Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 75 g butter (at room temperature)
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 125 g flour
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 vanilla essence

For the Cream:
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- 50 g sugar
- 50 g ground walnuts
- 1 egg
- 1 vanilla essence
- 150 g red currants (washed and stemmed)

Necessary Utensils
- Mixer (electric or manual)
- Mixing bowls
- Tart pan (20 cm in diameter)
- Baking paper
- Cling film
- Grater (optional, for decoration)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough
In a bowl, start by combining the softened butter with the powdered sugar. Use a mixer to achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream. Add the egg yolk and vanilla essence, continuing to mix until well incorporated.

Practical tips: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for even mixing. You can let the butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use.

Gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or the mixer on low speed. Finally, pour in the milk and mix until the dough becomes homogeneous. Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in cling film. Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.

2. Preparing the Cream
While the dough cools, you can prepare the cream. In another bowl, mix the butter with the sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla essence, mixing until smooth. Finally, incorporate the ground walnuts. Place the cream in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up a bit.

Variations: You can use almonds or hazelnuts instead of walnuts, depending on your preferences.

3. Assembling the Tart
After the dough has cooled, take it out of the refrigerator and roll it into a round sheet, about 5 mm thick. Place the dough in a tart pan lined with baking paper, ensuring you cover the sides of the pan halfway.

Tip: To prevent the dough from puffing up during baking, you can use beans or ceramic balls to maintain the shape.

Spread the walnut cream evenly on the bottom of the tart, then sprinkle the red currants on top, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the tart for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough turns golden. Allow the tart to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then carefully remove it and let it cool completely on a rack.

Serving
The walnut cream and red currant tart can be served plain, dusted with sugar, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors. You can also decorate it with a few fresh currants or mint leaves for an elegant look.

Nutritional Benefits
This tart is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, while red currants are rich in vitamin C and fiber. A serving of this tart can contain about 250 calories, making it a healthier choice for a dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute the currants with other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches, depending on the season and preferences.
- How can I keep the tart fresh? The tart keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with cling film, for up to 3 days.
- Is it suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan butter and chia or flax eggs for the cream.

Pairing Suggestions
To complement this delicacy, you can serve the tart with a light fruit tea or a sweet white wine that will enhance the flavors of the currants. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream can add an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion
The walnut cream and red currant tart is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that combines textures and flavors in perfect harmony. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, this recipe will bring smiles and joy with every slice. So, don’t wait any longer! Get to work and enjoy this delicacy!