Pear, apple, and carrot tart

Pear, apple, and carrot tart: a fragrant and comforting delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

You may not have thought about the combination of pears, apples, and carrots in a tart, but I assure you that this mix will pleasantly surprise you and bring a touch of originality to your table. This pear, apple, and carrot tart recipe is perfect for a weekend dessert or a special occasion. The sweet aroma of the fruits blends perfectly with the crunchy texture of the crust, while the carrot adds a touch of moisture and a note of natural sweetness.

The history of this tart is interesting, having roots in cooking traditions that emphasize the use of seasonal ingredients. In the past, housewives used what they had on hand, and the combination of fruits and vegetables was often found in desserts, bringing not only flavor but also nutritional benefits to the table.

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 and 1/2 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 8 tablespoons butter (about 200 g) + a little for greasing the pan
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
- 3 pears
- 3 apples
- 1 carrot

For the crust:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour

Step by step for an unforgettable dessert:

1. Preparing the dough: In the mixer bowl, add the flour, sugar, and salt. These ingredients will form the perfect base for your tart. Incorporate the diced butter and mix at medium speed until the mixture becomes homogeneous, with a crumb-like texture. At this point, add the egg yolk and cold water, continuing to mix until the dough comes together.

2. Forming the dough: Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a tender and crispy crust.

3. Preparing the fruits: Meanwhile, peel the pears and apples, then cut them in half and remove the seeds. Slice them thinly. If you like to caramelize them a bit, you can warm them in a pan with a little sugar to enhance their sweetness and aroma. You can grate the carrot finely or cut it into thin slices, depending on your preference.

4. Rolling out the dough: After 30 minutes, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Gently roll it out with your hands on a baking sheet, then cover it with another baking sheet and roll it out with a rolling pin, obtaining a thin sheet. This trick will prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin.

5. Forming the tart: Grease a 26 cm tart pan with a little butter. Use the first baking sheet to transfer the dough to the tart pan. Press gently with your hand to ensure the dough sticks to the sides of the pan. Carefully remove the second baking sheet and, with a serrated knife, trim the excess dough from the edges.

6. Assembling: Arrange the slices of fruit (pears, apples, and carrot) evenly in the tart, beautifully arranging them on the surface.

7. Preparing the crust: In a bowl, combine the sugar, butter, and flour. Mix with your fingers until small pieces form. This crust will add a crunchy texture and a note of sweetness at the end. Sprinkle the crust mixture over the fruits, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the fruits are well cooked. The aroma that will spread throughout the house will make you eagerly await to savor this wonderful dessert.

9. Cooling and serving: After the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 30 minutes. This will help set the filling and make cutting easier. When ready, use a knife to cut slices and serve with a drizzle of cream or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperature and texture.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the butter is cold when adding it to the dough for a flaky crust.
- You can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or plums, to give your tart a different touch.
- The tart can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the butter with margarine? Yes, you can use margarine, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Is this tart suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan butter and replacing the yolk with a flaxseed or apple paste.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This pear, apple, and carrot tart is rich in fiber due to the fruits and vegetable used, contributing to healthy digestion. Additionally, the fruits are an excellent source of antioxidants. A serving of the tart contains approximately 250 calories, depending on servings and ingredients.

For an unforgettable culinary experience, serve the tart with a fragrant tea or a sweet wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors. This recipe is not only a delight but also an excellent way to bring family and friends together, celebrating the joy of cooking and dining together. Now all you have to do is start cooking!