Plum Tart

Delicious Caramelized Plum Tart Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus 30-45 minutes for dough cooling)
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5-10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

A plum tart is more than just a simple dessert; it is a story about the autumn fruit season, about enticing aromas that awaken our senses, and about moments spent with loved ones. This caramelized plum tart recipe meets all these expectations, transforming simple fruits into unforgettable delights. Whether served at a festive table or as a weekly dessert, this tart will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 350 g all-purpose flour (preferably type 000)
- 150 g butter (choose a high-quality one for a perfect taste)
- 80 g sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 egg (preferably fresh, from free-range hens)
- A pinch of salt
- 4-5 tablespoons cold water (or milk for a richer taste)

*For the filling:*
- 600-700 g plums (choose ripe but firm plums; they will provide a pleasant texture)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust based on the sweetness of the plums)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the plum sauce)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (helps absorb moisture)

Step by step to a perfect tart:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, salt, and diced butter. Using your fingers or a pastry mixer, mix the ingredients until you get a texture similar to wet sand. Add the egg and 4-5 tablespoons of cold water, mixing until you obtain a compact dough. If it is too dry, you can add a few drops of water. Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. If you have time, let it rest overnight to improve its texture.

2. Preparing the tart pan:
After the dough has been in the fridge, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll it out into a thin layer a few millimeters thick. Place the dough in a buttered and floured tart pan (ideally 26 cm in diameter), making sure it goes up the sides of the pan. This will prevent the filling from leaking.

3. Pre-baking the dough:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the dough for 15 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of semolina evenly over the surface. This will absorb the moisture released by the plums and keep the crust crispy.

4. Preparing the plum filling:
Wash the plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Slice each half into 3-4 wedges. In a pan, add the plums and sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 15 minutes until they soften and release their juice. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the juice released by the plums to form a paste. Add this paste to the pan and mix well to combine the ingredients.

5. Assembling the tart:
Pour the plum mixture over the pre-baked dough. From the remaining dough, you can create strips or decorative shapes to decorate the tart. Place them creatively on top of the filling. Beat an egg and lightly brush the decoration for a beautiful golden color when baked.

6. Final baking:
Place the tart in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden color. After baking, it is recommended to cover the tart to prevent it from hardening. You can let it cool for 10-15 minutes in the covered pan or on a cake stand with a lid.

Serving and combinations:
The caramelized plum tart can be served warm or at room temperature, and it is delicious alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Additionally, a sweet wine or fruit tea will perfectly complement this dessert.

Tips and variations:
- You can replace the plums with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples, to create different variations of the tart.
- If you prefer a more tart flavor, add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to the plum mixture.
- If you want to reduce calories, you can use a natural sweetener instead of sugar.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 4 g

This dessert is not just a culinary delight, but also an opportunity to gather the family around the table and create unforgettable memories. Enjoy your meal!