Pear and chocolate tart

Pear and Chocolate Tart - A Delicious and Aromatic Delight

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to the world of delicious fruit and chocolate combinations! This pear and chocolate tart is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's an elegant dinner or a simple dessert for Sunday night. The sweet and rich aroma of chocolate perfectly blends with the juiciness and delicacy of pears, creating a dessert that will delight any palate.

Let's begin our culinary journey!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 125 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 80 g sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 2 egg yolks
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 2 firm pears (for example, Conference or Bosc pears)
- 150 g sugar (for syrup)
- 100 ml water
- 3 cloves
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 200 g chocolate (preferably dark chocolate for a pleasant contrast)
- 150 ml cream

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough

We start by preparing the tart dough. In a large bowl, we add 250 g of flour, 80 g of sugar, and a pinch of salt. We mix the dry ingredients well to combine them.

We add 125 g of margarine (or cubed and slightly softened butter) and start kneading with our fingers until the mixture resembles coarse flour. It is essential not to overwork the dough, as we want to keep the butter cold to achieve a flaky crust.

We add the whole egg and the two egg yolks, mixing gently until the ingredients combine. We form a ball and wrap the dough in plastic wrap. We let it chill for 1-2 hours. This step helps to strengthen the dough's structure, ensuring a perfect tart.

2. Baking the Crust

After the dough has chilled, we take it out and roll it out on a floured surface. We try to give it a circular shape suitable for the tart pan. We grease the pan with butter and dust it with a little flour to prevent sticking.

We place the dough in the pan and prick it with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This trick is essential to avoid deforming the crust. We bake the tart in a preheated oven at 180°C for 35 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy.

Once baked, we let it cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Preparing the Pears

Meanwhile, we take care of the pears. We peel them and cut them into quarters. We prepare a syrup from 150 g of sugar and 100 ml of water, adding 3 cloves and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

We let the syrup boil over medium heat for about 20 minutes, being careful not to let the pears get too soft. The pears should remain firm to maintain their texture in the tart. When ready, we remove them from the syrup and let them cool on a wire rack.

4. Preparing the Chocolate

In a bowl, we place 200 g of broken chocolate into small pieces, along with 150 ml of cream. We place them over a water bath, stirring constantly until the chocolate melts completely and becomes a smooth mixture.

After it has melted, we remove the bowl from the heat and let the chocolate cool slightly. Then we beat it gently with a mixer to give it a fluffy texture.

5. Assembling the Tart

Now that all the components are ready, it's time to assemble our delicious tart!

On the cooled tart crust, we spread an even layer of melted chocolate, then place the pear slices. If you like, you can create a pretty pattern with the pears to impress your guests.

Finally, we pour the remaining chocolate over the pears, ensuring they are completely covered. This layer of chocolate will add not only a delicious taste but also an elegant presentation.

6. Final Cooling

It is recommended to let the tart sit in the refrigerator overnight. This way, the dough becomes even flakier and the flavors will blend perfectly. The pear and chocolate tart is, in fact, better the next day!

Serving the Tart

For an extra touch of flavor and aesthetics, you can serve the tart with a scoop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side. Additionally, a caramel sauce will add a note of sweetness and texture.

Nutritional Benefits

This tart is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a source of nutrients! Pears are rich in fiber and vitamins, while dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can improve heart health. Additionally, the cream adds a touch of calcium and protein.

Possible Variations

Want to add a personal touch? Try substituting pears with apples or peaches. You can also add pecans or roasted nuts in chocolate for an extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use white chocolate?
Of course, white chocolate will add extra sweetness, but I recommend combining it with a little dark chocolate for a pleasant contrast.

2. How can I make the tart vegan?
You can use vegan margarine, coconut milk instead of cream, and a flaxseed or chia egg instead of the eggs in the recipe.

3. How can I store the tart?
It stores very well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.

In conclusion, this pear and chocolate tart is a wonderful choice for all occasions. With a simple and quick recipe, you will bring joy and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, don't hesitate to try it! Enjoy!