Plum tart

Plum Tart - a Traditional Delicacy

Plum tart is a dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia in every bite. This recipe perfectly combines the juicy sweetness of plums with a delicious, crispy crust, making it an ideal choice for both festive meals and sweet snacks on ordinary days.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g lard (or butter, if you prefer a richer taste)
- 1 egg
- a pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the filling:
- 600 g plums (about 10-12 large, ripe plums)
- 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon (depending on preference)
- powdered sugar for decoration

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the perfect base for your crust. Add the cubed lard and start mixing with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This is a classic technique that helps achieve a tender texture.

2. Adding the egg:
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the egg. Mix everything gently until the dough starts to come together. If you feel the dough is too dry, add a few tablespoons of cold water, being careful not to make it sticky.

3. Dividing the dough:
Divide the dough into two parts: ¾ for the base of the tart and ¼ for the strips on top. Wrap each part in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential as cooling the dough makes it easier to work with and crispier when baked.

4. Preparing the plums:
While the dough cools, wash the plums, remove the pits, and cut them into quarters. You can use fresh plums or even dried plums if you want a sweet-sour variation. Sprinkle cinnamon over the cut plums to add a warm and comforting flavor.

5. Assembling the tart:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. On a floured surface, roll out ¾ of the dough into a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use a rolling pin to make your work easier. Place the dough sheet in a greased tart pan, ensuring it rises slightly over the edges of the pan.

6. Filling the tart:
Arrange the cut plums evenly over the dough in the pan, distributing them well. Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.

7. The dough strips:
Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into thin strips. Place the strips over the plums in the tart, forming a lattice pattern. This detail is not only aesthetic but also allows steam to escape so that the tart doesn’t become too soggy.

8. Baking:
Bake the tart in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the dough turns golden and crispy. The aroma that will spread in your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

9. Serving:
After the tart has cooled slightly, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance and sweet taste. The plum tart can be served plain or with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast.

Useful tips:

- Buy ripe but firm plums to avoid them disintegrating during baking.
- If you want to experiment with flavors, you can add a little vanilla or lemon zest to the dough for a fresher taste.
- The tart keeps well in the fridge, covered, and can be consumed for 3-4 days.
- The calories for one serving of plum tart are approximately 250-300, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace plums with apples, pears, or peaches, depending on the season and your preferences.

- Can I use butter instead of lard?
Absolutely! Butter will add a richer taste and delicious aroma, but make sure to use cold butter.

- How can I make the tart less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or use tarter plums.

Ideal pairings:
The plum tart pairs wonderfully with a sweet wine, an herbal tea, or even a robust espresso to balance the sweetness of the fruits. Additionally, for a special lunch or dinner, you can serve it alongside a simple green salad to add a delightful contrast.

Now that you know how to make a delicious plum tart, all that’s left is to get cooking! This recipe is an excellent way to bring joy and flavor into your life, and every bite will be an invitation to pleasant memories. Enjoy!