| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 520 | 26g | 16g | 68g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 42g | 2g | 10g | 0.2g |
Growing up in the heart of Texas, I was always surrounded by a vibrant medley of flavors. My palate was always treated to a collage of traditional Southern dishes with a spunky Tex-Mex twist. But today, I’d like to take you on a detour from my usual fare, as I introduce you to one of my fondly admired dessert recipes – the Blood Orange Tart.
The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Tart
There’s something magical about blood oranges. Perhaps, it’s their deep, rich crimson color that gives each dish a stunning pop of color, or their unique flavor profile – not as sweet as normal oranges but with a distinctive raspberry-like tang. This Blood Orange Tart capitalizes on these properties, tantalizing your tastebuds with every bite. Accentuated by the sweetness of granulated sugar and the crispness of a homemade pastry crust, this dish is a true delight. And while it might not share the Spanish flair of a classic Spanish Flan, or the rich chocolatey goodness of a Gluten-Free Chocolate Tea Cake, it holds a charm uniquely its own.
Health Benefits
Not just a treat for the senses, this Blood Orange Tart packs a nutritional punch too. Did you know that blood oranges are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and anthocyanins? Their dark hues are courtesy of these antioxidants that aid in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. Additionally, blood oranges can also help boost your immunity, improve your skin health, and support your body in reducing inflammation. So, not just a pretty face, but a healthy choice too!
The Versatility of the Blood Orange Tart
This tart seamlessly blends into any dining scenario, be it a formal dinner party, family gathering, or even a Sunday brunch. It would pair beautifully with a simple roast chicken or add an invigorating freshness after a rich beef and barley soup. The Blood Orange Tart truly is a dessert versatile enough to straddle the culinary divide between light and richly indulgent courses. So, the next time you’re looking for something to spruce up your desserts, give the Blood Orange Tart a shot, and experience the love I have for this recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small chunks
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
- 5 blood oranges
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon blood orange zest
- 1 cup fresh blood orange juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Method
Step One
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a medium-sized bowl. Next, add in the 9 tablespoons of unsalted butter. The butter should be cold and cut into small chunks.
Step Two
In a separate small bowl, beat the large egg yolk and then mix in the 2-3 tablespoons of ice water. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the butter and flour. Stir until a dough forms.
Step Three
Roll out the dough and fit it into your tart pan, making sure to press it down into the corners. You’ll want to let this chill in your refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Once chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees and prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Then, bake the crust for approximately 20 minutes until it is golden brown. Allow the crust to cool.
Step Four
While the crust is cooling, peel the 5 blood oranges and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar with the 6 large eggs. Whisk these ingredients until they are well blended and the sugar has dissolved.
Step Five
Add 1 tablespoon of blood orange zest, 1 cup of fresh blood orange juice, and 1/2 cup of melted and cooled unsalted butter to the egg mixture. Continue to whisk until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step Six
Pour the mixture into the pre-baked tart shell. Then, gently arrange the peeled blood orange slices on top of the tart. Make sure your oven has been preheated to 325 degrees before baking the tart for about 50 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Step Seven
Allow the tart to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade Blood Orange Tart!
