Ricotta Tart

Ricotta and Pineapple Tart: A Sweet and Fragrant Delight

When it comes to desserts, ricotta tart is an excellent choice to impress guests or to indulge in a moment of personal pampering. This recipe combines the creaminess of ricotta with the sweetness of pineapple, offering an explosion of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Moreover, it is a simple recipe, perfect for a quick dessert that looks and feels sophisticated.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g flour (you may need a few extra tablespoons)
- 125 g margarine or butter (for a richer taste, I recommend butter)
- 125 g sugar
- 1 egg
- Zest of one lemon

For the filling:
- 500 g ricotta (choose a high-quality ricotta for better taste)
- 100 g raisins
- 2 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- Zest of half an orange
- 1 can of pineapple (you can also use fresh pineapple, diced)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation

1. Soaking the Raisins: Start by soaking the raisins. If using canned pineapple, place the raisins in a bowl and cover them with pineapple juice. Let them swell for 15 minutes. This step will add a pleasant flavor to your filling. If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use warm water.

2. Preparing the Dough: At room temperature, the margarine or butter will soften easily. Cream the margarine with the sugar and lemon zest until you achieve a fluffy mixture. Add the egg and mix again.

3. Adding the Flour: Start incorporating the flour, mixing gently. You may need about 300 g of flour for a dough that is not too sticky. If you find the dough too soft, don’t hesitate to add a few tablespoons of flour. Use a mixer to achieve a smooth texture.

4. Resting the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a beautiful and crispy crust.

5. Preparing the Filling: In a large bowl, cream the ricotta with the sugar and orange zest. Add the egg yolks one at a time, continuing to mix. Whip the egg whites until stiff and fold them into the ricotta mixture at the end. Squeeze the raisins well and add them along with the diced pineapple.

6. Assembling the Tart: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into three parts. Roll out two of them between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the dough in a 24 cm tart pan lined with parchment paper, extending it up the sides.

7. Adding the Filling: Pour the ricotta and pineapple filling into the pan, leveling it evenly. From the third portion of dough, form long strips and lay them over the filling, creating a decorative pattern. You can choose a simple design or try a more creative one, like a spider web.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the tart for 30-40 minutes until golden and the filling is firm. After baking, let the tart cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This will help prevent cracking.

9. Decorating: When the tart is cool enough, dust it with powdered sugar. You can serve it with orange slices and pineapple cubes, adding a touch of freshness.

Practical Tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling.
- If you want a crunchier texture in the dough, you can add 30 g of ground almonds.
- Always check the filling composition; it should be smooth and creamy.
- The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days, but I recommend consuming it within the first 48 hours to enjoy its freshness.

Delicious Combinations:
This tart pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or citrus tea. Additionally, for a more sophisticated dessert, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce would add a delicious contrast.

Nutritional Information:
This tart contains approximately 250 calories per serving, making it a lighter option compared to other calorie-rich desserts. Ricotta provides a significant amount of protein and calcium, while fresh fruits add vitamins and antioxidants.

In conclusion, this ricotta and pineapple tart is not just a delicious dessert but also an opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, you will surely fall in love with the combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy!