| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 35 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 354 | 15g | 9g | 53g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 29g | 3g | 4g | 0.2g |
There is just something about this Apple and Wood Avens Tart that transports me straight back to my Nebraska roots. The hearty, crisp sweetness of the apples paired with the subtly spicy undertones brought on by the wood avens leaves, sprinkled through homemade pastry, embodies everything simultaneously comforting and delightful about Midwestern cooking. Just like a Sunday supper at your grandmother’s table, this tart warms the spirit while satisfying the stomach.
A Nod to Traditional Comfort Baking
The Apple and Wood Avens Tart recipe is reminiscent of the classic apple pie, lacing familiar flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple with the surprising but wonderfully fitting addition of wood avens. Fresh from the oven, when you bite into it, the balance of sweet and earthy flavors enclosed in flaky buttery pastry is just a joyful burst of home cooking at its best. This tart is essentially a testimony to the evergreen charm of classic apple pies, but with a refreshing twist in the recipe that brings something new to the table.
Farm-to-Table Freshness
In the vein of traditional comfort baking, using farm-fresh ingredients gives this tart that much sought after farm-to-table vibrancy. Moreover, enlisting medium apples—which carry both sweetness and tartness, as well as apricot preserves, offers an appetizing spin on this quintessential dessert. The porous, spongy texture of the apples, combined with the bold flavors of wood avens leaves, creates a wonderful fusion, igniting the tastebuds in a satisfying way that’s always welcomed at the end of a meal.
Remember, just like any other fruit tart, it is best paired with a dollop of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. You could also delightfully enhance your brunch tablescape by pairing this tart with pancakes or waffles, turning your meal into a festive feast. Check these pancake recipes that can go excellently with our tart.
Health Benefits
Though undeniably indulgent, this apple and wood avens tart doesn’t shirk on health benefits. Apples, known for their high fiber content, and lemon juice, packed with vitamin C, have long graced our kitchens due to their health benefits. Moreover, cinnamon is famed for its anti-inflammatory properties and sugar-regulating capabilities, making it not just a flavor but a valuable addition to your daily diet.
Similarly, wood avens, a herb known in traditional medicine, is believed to help with digestive health. While the scientific consensus is limited, its inclusion in this recipe not only adds a unique taste, but if the traditional wisdom holds true, it contributes to the overall health quotient of this delicious tart.
Cooking, after all, is as much about feeding the soul as it is about nourishing the body. This Apple and Wood Avens tart does just that, warming the heart while simultaneously serving up a dish that’s rosy, rustic, and rewarding in every bite.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 9 tablespoons of unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 3 tablespoons of ice water
- 2 tablespoons of apricot preserves
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped wood avens leaves
- 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar for sprinkling
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Stir it all together, then add your chilled and diced unsalted butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step Two
Add the ice water to your flour and butter mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water until it reaches the right consistency. Once done, wrap your dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Step Three
Whilst the dough is chilling, you can prepare your apple filling. In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples, finely chopped wood avens leaves, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix it all together until the apples are fully coated.
Step Four
When your dough has finished chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your tart dough on a lightly floured surface, then transfer it to a tart pan, pressing it into the corners and trimming any excess dough.
Step Five
Spread the apricot preserves across the bottom of your tart shell, then layer on your apple mixture. Fold the edges of your tart dough over the apples, making sure to leave a opening in the center.
Step Six
Brush the edges of the tart with your beaten egg, then sprinkle the coarse sugar over the entire tart. Bake it in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
Step Seven
Finally, remove your Apple and Wood Avens Tart from the oven and let it cool in the tart pan. Once cool, remove it from the pan and serve. Enjoy your delicious homemade tart!
