| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 20g | 12g | 75g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 3g | 10g | 0.25g |
Please note: Nutritional values are rough estimates and will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
As a proud Southern belle with a love for tradition, yet an adventurous palate, I often find myself drawn to recipes that marry the familiar with the unexpected. One such culinary delight, which has become a much-loved staple in my recipe notebook, is the divine Matcha Azuki Bean Tart. This vegetable-based recipe, with its beautiful balance of sweet and earthy flavors, is a glorious testament to the playful versatility of veggies and the profound taste sensations they can instigate.
A Nod to Japan and a Wink at the South
Sharing roots with the traditional Japanese delicacy of Azuki bean paste treats, this Matcha Azuki Bean Tart borrows its understated sweetness from the East, while its buttery crust owes much to the classic southern baking tradition. It’s not so far off, for instance, from the classic pie crust used in our oh-so-beloved pecan and apple pies. This tart, however, carves its unique path with the inclusion of matcha – a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the ancient Japanese treat called ‘wagashi’, which inspired this recipe, check out this fascinating article by NHK World Japan.
Healthy Indulgence
It’s a bonus that this delightful treat harnesses the remarkable health benefits of its star ingredients, matcha and azuki beans. Matcha is not just celebrated for its unique flavor, but for its bounty of antioxidants and brain-boosting compounds. Paired with azuki beans, a known source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, this tart makes for an indulgence you don’t have to feel guilty about.
To dig deeper into the health benefits of Matcha, this comprehensive article on Healthline is a must-read.
Whether served alongside a soothing cup of green tea, or as an unexpected finale to a hearty Southern meal, this Matcha Azuki Bean Tart is indeed an unforgettable treat. The balance of sweet azuki bean paste and the unique, vegetal flavor of matcha within a tender, buttery crust, creates a harmony of flavors that guarantees to impress your taste buds.
What You’ll Need
- 1 and 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of azuki beans
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of matcha powder
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of matcha powder
- 1/2 cup of whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup of azuki bean paste
Method
Step One
To begin with, we will prepare the tart base. In a mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, powdered sugar, salt and the cold, cubed butter. Work the butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it forms a sandy consistency. Then, add the egg yolks and mix until the dough just comes together.
Step Two
Press the dough evenly into a tart pan, ensuring it covers both the base and the sides. Refrigerate the tart shell for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and bake the tart shell for 15-20 minutes, or until golden. Allow to cool completely.
Step Three
While the tart shell is cooling, prepare the azuki beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water, then add them to a saucepan with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are soft and easily mashed, adding more water if necessary.
Step Four
Drain the cooked beans and return them to the saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until all the sugar has dissolved and the beans form a thick paste. Set aside to cool.
Step Five
For the matcha custard filling, whisk the matcha powder, cornstarch and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan until well combined. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth.
Step Six
Cook the matcha mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens into a custard. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step Seven
For the whipping cream, beat the cream along with the 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar in a bowl until soft peaks form. Add the azuki bean paste to the cooled custard and mix until combined. Then, fold the whipped cream into the matcha custard mixture until well combined.
Step Eight
Spread the matcha custard filling evenly over the cooled tart shell. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set.
Step Nine
The Matcha Azuki Bean Tart is ready to be served. Enjoy this sweet delight that delivers a great blend of flavors.
