Plum and Walnut Tart

Plum and Walnut Tart - A Fragrant and Flavorful Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 8

The history of fruit tarts takes us back to pleasant moments spent with family, festive meals, and the joy of savoring delicious desserts. The plum and walnut tart is a classic recipe, perfect for any occasion, especially during plum season when the fruits are at their most aromatic and juicy. This tart combines the crunchy texture of the pastry with a soft and tasty filling, offering a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure and discover how to prepare this delicacy!

Ingredients:
- 1 pack of shortcrust pastry (approximately 400 g, thawed)
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 2 large eggs
- 125 g sugar
- 2 large round plums (or 6 small plums), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam (for glazing)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for decoration)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the Dough: Start by thawing the shortcrust pastry if it’s frozen. Once softened, place it in a round tart pan (preferably with a removable bottom) and trim it to fit the shape. Ensure the pastry is evenly distributed on the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Remember that shortcrust pastry adds a crunchy texture and delicious flavor, so choose a quality product, or you can try making it at home with flour, butter, and water.

2. Chilling the Dough: Once the dough is arranged in the pan, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. This step is important to prevent the dough from collapsing during baking. The fridge will help maintain the shape of the dough, giving it a better texture.

3. Preparing the Filling: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form a foam. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This is the secret to getting a light and airy texture in the filling.

4. Mixing the Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the egg yolks. Ensure the walnuts are freshly ground, as this will add a more intense flavor and richer aroma. Once you have a homogeneous mixture, gently fold in the beaten egg whites. This step is crucial, so use a spatula and mix gently, folding from the bottom up to avoid losing the air in the egg whites.

5. Assembling the Tart: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Pour the walnut and egg white filling over the chilled pastry, smoothing it out with a spatula. Arrange the plum slices on top of the filling, making sure to distribute them evenly. If the plums are a bit tart, adding powdered sugar at the end will balance the tart's flavor.

6. Baking the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. Use a tart pan with a removable bottom to make it easier to take the tart out and present it nicely. The tart is ready when the surface turns golden and the filling rises slightly.

7. Finishing the Tart: After removing the tart from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Meanwhile, brush the plum slices with apricot jam, which will add a glossy layer and a sweet-tart flavor. Let the tart cool completely before slicing it.

Serving suggestion: The plum and walnut tart is best served at room temperature, but it can also be gently warmed. It can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream, which adds a delicious contrast.

Nutritional benefits: This tart provides a good source of healthy fats from walnuts, which are rich in antioxidants, protein, and fiber. Plums, besides being delicious, are high in vitamins A and C, contributing to optimal health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of plums? Absolutely! Apples, peaches, or even cherries are excellent alternatives.
- Is it possible to use homemade pastry? Sure! A pastry made from flour, butter, and water will add an authentic and personalized flavor.
- Can I store the tart for later? Yes, the tart can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it before serving to restore its crunchy texture.

Possible variations: You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, you can replace some of the walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts to experiment with different textures and tastes.

This plum and walnut tart recipe is not just a simple dessert but an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So, don’t hesitate – put on your apron and enjoy this delicious recipe! Enjoy!