Strawberry tart

Delicious strawberry tart: a sweet treat that combines the fresh aroma of strawberries with a slightly gelatinous texture, perfect for any occasion. With a rich history in culinary traditions, the strawberry tart is a symbol of spring and summer, when these delicious fruits are in full season. So, let’s embark on the preparation of this refined dessert, step by step.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 7 sheets of gelatin
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of water
- 2 cups of sugar
- 300 grams of strawberries (about 2 cups)
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Whipped cream for decoration

Step 1: Preparing the strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries well under cold running water. Cut them into small cubes, about the size of a dice, keeping 6-7 whole strawberries for decoration. This step is crucial as the strawberries will provide a beautiful contrast between the gelatinous and fresh textures.

Step 2: Preparing the milk base
In a saucepan, add 1 cup of milk along with 1 cup of sugar. Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let the milk boil too hard; we just want to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

Step 3: Gelatin
In a plate, soak the 7 sheets of gelatin in cold water, making sure they are completely covered. Leave them for about 5 minutes to hydrate. Once they have swollen, remove them from the water and add them to the saucepan with milk and sugar, stirring well to dissolve completely.

Step 4: Adding the strawberries
Once the mixture has begun to boil gently, add the chopped strawberries. Let them boil together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this stage, the flavor of the strawberries will blend with the sweet milk, and the dessert will start to take shape.

Step 5: Preparing the second layer
In another saucepan, add the second cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat it until it reaches a boiling point. After the water has started to boil, add the remaining gelatin, which has been soaked beforehand just like the first time. Stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved. If desired, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a vibrant hue.

Step 6: Assembling the tart
Prepare a plastic mold (a take-out container works perfectly). Arrange the whole strawberries, cut in half with the cut side up, at the bottom of the mold. They will create an attractive appearance once the tart is turned out. Carefully pour the first gelatinous mixture over the strawberries and place the mold in the freezer. Be careful not to let it freeze completely; we just want it to set enough.

Step 7: Adding the second layer
After the first layer has set, remove the mold from the freezer and carefully pour the second gelatinous mixture. Place it back in the freezer until it solidifies.

Step 8: Turning out the tart
When all layers are completely set, remove the mold from the freezer. With a knife, gently run along the edge of the mold to loosen the tart. Carefully invert it onto a platter and decorate with whipped cream.

Serving and variations
You can serve the strawberry tart as is or alongside vanilla ice cream for a temperature contrast. You can also add a few fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of flavor and color. The strawberries can be replaced with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create a different version of this dessert.

Nutritional benefits
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, and are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a healthy dessert. A serving of this tart contains approximately 180-220 calories (depending on the amount of whipped cream used), offering a sweet delight without significantly impacting your diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use vegan gelatin?
Yes, you can use agar-agar, an excellent alternative to traditional gelatin, which is derived from seaweed.
2. Can I use other types of fruit?
Sure! Raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches are excellent options that will add a personal touch to your recipe.
3. How can I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

So, now it’s time to get to work and enjoy this delicious strawberry tart. Once you prepare it, you won't be able to get enough of its fresh and refined taste! Enjoy!