Pear and cornmeal tart

Pear and Cornmeal Tart: A Flavorful Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Welcome to the world of delicious desserts! Today we will prepare a pear and cornmeal tart, a dessert that perfectly balances textures and flavors. This recipe is not only simple but also full of taste, with caramelized pears adding a sweetness that makes it special. Inspired by old traditions, this tart has been enjoyed for generations, and now it's time to bring this delight into your kitchen!

Ingredients:

- 110 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 8 tablespoons sunflower oil or olive oil (choose a quality oil)
- 8 tablespoons dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 125 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 g cornmeal
- 1 large pear (choose a ripe but firm pear)
- butter for greasing the pan
- 1 tablespoon sugar for sprinkling on the bottom of the pan (optional, you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor)

Step 1: Preheating the Oven

Start by preheating the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. It is important to have the oven ready before placing the tart inside, to achieve even baking and a perfect texture.

Step 2: Preparing the Pan

Take a tart pan with a diameter of 20 cm. Line only the bottom with parchment paper, and then grease the sides with butter. This will help the tart come out easily after baking. Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar on the bottom of the pan; this will help caramelize the pears and add a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Preparing the Mixture

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you achieve a fluffy foam. This step is essential, as the air incorporated into the mixture will make the tart light and fluffy. Add the grated lemon zest for extra flavor, then gradually incorporate the oil, white wine, and lemon juice. Mix gently until combined.

Step 4: Adding the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and cornmeal. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the egg mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense texture. The mixture should be smooth but slightly gritty.

Step 5: Preparing the Pears

Peel the pear and slice it. Choose a ripe but firm pear for the best results. Arrange the pear slices on the bottom of the tart pan, over the sprinkled sugar. They will caramelize beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Assembling the Tart

Carefully pour the tart mixture over the pear slices, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Now it's time to admire your work and wait for the delicious result!

Step 7: Baking

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the tart for about 40 minutes at 160 degrees Celsius. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. A perfectly baked tart will have a golden crust and an irresistible aroma.

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. Then, carefully turn it onto a plate. If desired, you can brush the tart with a thin layer of fruit jelly for a glossy and appetizing appearance. The pear and cornmeal tart is delicious both warm and cold, so feel free to serve it in both ways.

Serving Suggestions:

For an extra touch of refinement, serve the tart with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream. Additionally, a caramel sauce would add a decadent note. This tart pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a cup of aromatic tea, creating a combination of flavors that will delight the senses.

Nutritional Benefits:

The pear and cornmeal tart is an excellent choice for dessert due to its simple ingredients. Pears are rich in fiber and vitamins, and cornmeal adds a nutrient boost and interesting texture. Additionally, using olive oil can provide extra health benefits due to its antioxidant content.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Yes, you can experiment with apples, peaches, or even plums, depending on your preferences.

2. Is it possible to make this tart gluten-free?
Yes, replace regular flour with gluten-free flour, such as almond flour or a combination of rice flour and tapioca flour.

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

4. Can I freeze the tart?
While it's best fresh, you can freeze the unbaked tart. Once cooked, the texture may suffer slightly, but it is still edible.

Possible Variations:

For a more exotic flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the tart mixture or even some grated ginger for a spicier taste. You can also replace the white wine with a sweet wine to intensify the tart's sweetness.

So, you have all the ingredients and steps necessary to prepare a remarkable pear and cornmeal tart. Let your imagination run wild and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen. Bon appétit!