The lemon tart, or lemon curd tart, is a classic which never goes out of fashion. For the best possible result, it’s really important to make both the pastry and the lemon curd at home with the freshest ingredients. The flavour, fragrance and aroma that your tart will have will be unmatched, and it will disappear in seconds. The pastry that we suggest is perfect because it doesn’t have too much fat and is light and flaky. Once you master the recipe for this pastry, you’ll never be without and you’ll use it as a base for an infinite variety of other desserts for your family, day after day. And simply replace the lemon curd with a common Italian lemon cream, a fruit jam made a home, a chocolate or hazelnut cream, and success will be guaranteed.
* approximate values per serving
Begin by making a lemon curd. While the curd cools, and thickens, prepare the pastry. Knead some flour, sugar, butter, egg and yeast into a dough. Divide the pastry into two parts, one slightly larger and a smaller one. Roll out the larger part, and arrange on the bottom of a baking tin: don’t worry if the pastry breaks, just seal it again with your fingers. Now pour the lemon curd over it. Roll out the second disk of dough, then cover the tart. Seal the edges well. Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes. Serve with a sprinkling of icing sugar.
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Make the shortcrust pastry
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Roll out the first circle of pastry to make the base of the tart
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Pour over the cooled lemon curd
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Cover the tart with a second circle of pastry, slightly thinner than the base
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Bake in the oven for 30 mins at 180°C. serve with more lemon curd on the side
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One of the tastiest variations of the crostata with lemon curd is certainly the one with the addition of fresh fruit. Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi can be arranged on the lemon cream for a contrast of flavors and colors. This preparation not only makes the dessert more attractive but also adds a note of freshness that balances the sweetness of the pastry and the acidity of the lemon curd. To make this variation, simply prepare the crostata as usual, add the lemon cream once cooled, and garnish with the chosen fruit. Once assembled, let it rest in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving, so that the flavors meld together and make the dessert even more delicious.
The crostata with lemon curd is a traditional dessert that originates from the United Kingdom. In its most authentic version, the pastry base is made with high-quality butter and fine flour, while the lemon curd is made with fresh lemons, sugar, and eggs. This preparation is often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and, sometimes, with whipped cream to add creaminess. For a truly British touch, it can be accompanied by a cup of black tea, making tea time a special occasion. This dessert is ideal for celebrations and afternoon teas, bringing a bit of English tradition to your table.
For those looking for a lighter version of the crostata with lemon curd, it can be made without butter, using seed oil or vegetable margarine instead. Additionally, one can opt for whole wheat flour, which offers greater nutritional value and a richer flavor. The lemon curd can be prepared with less sugar while still maintaining its characteristic fresh and tangy flavor. This variation is perfect for those who want to enjoy a dessert without overindulging in calories. Despite the modifications, the final result will be a light and pleasant crostata, suitable even for those following a more careful diet.
Lemon curd, made with fresh lemons, is an excellent source of vitamin C, essential for the immune system and skin health. Lemons also contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body. Furthermore, lemon curd provides a good supply of minerals such as potassium and calcium. Despite the presence of sugar, a serving of crostata with lemon curd contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is important to consume it in moderation, but its nutritional profile makes it a dessert to consider even on special occasions.
The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze crostata with lemon curd. However, it is advisable to freeze only the pastry base without the lemon cream, as the consistency of the lemon curd may change during the freezing and subsequent thawing process. To freeze the pastry, wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When you wish to use the pastry, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before assembling the crostata. Once prepared and baked, the crostata can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days, but freezing is a great solution for saving time in the future.