| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 15g | 8g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 2g | 4g | 0.15g |
When it comes to the art of fusing flavors, one of my personal favorites has to be the Kiwifruit and Strawberry Tart. This pastry champions a simple yet exotic fusion of tang and sweetness. It’s not just a dessert, it is a string of culinary memories woven with hues of my youth, reminiscing the summers in Atlanta and the vibrant cuisine of the Nigeria that thrums in my heritage.
A Healthful Indulgence
One thing I adore about the Kiwifruit and Strawberry Tart, aside from its mouthwatering flavors, is how it marries indulgence with nourishment. The nutritional benefits of kiwifruit shine; loaded with vitamins C and E, it is an antioxidant-rich powerhouse. Strawberries, too, boost your immunity and are packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Table Companions
As someone infused with the roots of Afro-Southern cuisine, I appreciate dishes that can fit into any meal, and this tart is no exception. I’ve found that it complements a range of dishes, from smoky barbecued foods to seafood gumbo. It marries particularly well with Southern-style buttered corn on the cob or a vibrant Nigerian jollof rice. Sharing these dishes brings together two worlds that shaped my culinary journey – Southern Unites States and West Africa.
There are also several variations of this tart that you can explore. Like the classic French Fraisier, a sponge cake oozing with strawberries and cream, or the vibrant New Zealand pavlova, brimming with kiwifruit. Add your own spin to it if you wish, for cooking is not just a necessity but a form of creative expression.
From the buttery crust to the refreshing fruits and a hint of citrus finale, enveloping your palette, our Kiwifruit and Strawberry Tart is more than just a dessert. It’s a celebration of diverse flavors and, in my case, echoing the beautiful symphony of my mixed heritage. Here’s to creating memories, one slice at a time.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
- 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 kiwifruits, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup of strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1 cup of whipped cream (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. As your oven heats, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 stick of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a food processor. Blitz these ingredients together until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture.
Step Two
Next, add 2 tablespoons of cold water into the food processor and blend until the mixture starts to come together to form a dough. Remove the dough and press it into a tart pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the base and up the sides. Place the tart pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until it is golden brown.
Step Three
While the tart crust is cooling, prepare the fruit topping. Start by hulling and slicing 2 cups of fresh strawberries and peeling and slicing 4 kiwifruits.
Step Four
In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of strawberry jam, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of water. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until it is smooth.
Step Five
Once the tart crust is cool and the jam mixture is smooth, it’s time to assemble the tart. Start by arranging the sliced strawberries and kiwifruits attractively on the tart crust. Pour the warm jam mixture over the top of the fruit, making sure to cover evenly.
Step Six
Chill the tart in the refrigerator until the jam sets. Serve your Kiwifruit and Strawberry Tart chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top and a sprig of fresh mint for garnish, if desired.
