Plum tart

Plum Tart with Crispy Crumble

When plum season arrives, it's the perfect time to indulge in a delicious plum tart with a crispy crumble. This recipe, inspired by flavorful culinary traditions, brings together the sweetness of plums with the crunchy texture of the crumble, turning each slice into an unforgettable experience. Moreover, it is a simple recipe, perfect for beginners and for cooking alongside loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 350 g flour
- 150 g cold butter (cubed)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 egg

For the filling:
- 600 g plums (about 8-10 large plums)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of the plums)
- 2-3 tablespoons semolina or breadcrumbs

For the crumble:
- 100 g butter (softened at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar

Preparation:

1. Preparing the plum filling
- Wash the plums thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities.
- Cut the plums into slices or cubes, depending on your preference, and place them in a medium saucepan.
- Add 3-4 tablespoons of water and 4 tablespoons of sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the plums have softened, take a few tablespoons of the resulting syrup and mix it with the cornstarch to form a paste. Pour this paste over the cooked plums and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.

2. Preparing the crust
- In a large bowl, combine the cold butter and sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to achieve a creamy and smooth mixture.
- Add the egg and mix well. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a uniform dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust.

3. Assembling the tart
- Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a thin sheet using a rolling pin. Then, roll the dough onto the pin and carefully transfer it to the tart pan, ensuring to lift the dough up the sides of the pan.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs or semolina on the bottom of the crust to absorb moisture from the filling, then evenly pour the plum filling.

4. Preparing the crumble
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter with the sugar and flour until you achieve a crumbly texture. If the mixture is too soft, add a little more flour.
- Sprinkle this crumble mixture over the plum filling, keeping in mind that it should not be even, allowing for varied textures.

5. Baking
- Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crumble turns golden.
- Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. It is a delicacy best enjoyed chilled, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions:
This plum tart with crumble pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. Additionally, a cup of aromatic tea or coffee will perfectly highlight the flavor of the baked plums.

Nutritional information:
One serving (1/8 of the tart) contains approximately 300 calories, making it a delightful choice for an occasional dessert. Plums are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, thus providing nutritional benefits as well.

Possible variations:
- You can experiment by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the plum filling for an extra flavor boost.
- If you want to add an extra crunch, try adding chopped nuts or almond flakes to the crumble.
- Instead of plums, this recipe works excellently with peaches or apples, creating delicious tart variations.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned plums?
Absolutely! Just make sure to drain the syrup well to avoid a too-wet filling.

2. How do I store the tart?
The tart keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated, covered, until you're ready to assemble the tart.

This plum tart with crispy crumble is a recipe that blends tradition and innovation, bringing joy with every bite. I encourage you to try it and enjoy its delicious flavors!