| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 16g | 10g | 41g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 3g | 4g | 0.25g |
There are recipes that transport you back in time, and the Medlar Tart Recipe is one of them for me. This particular dish is a beautiful combination of flavors that remind me of autumns spent with my grandparents, savoring the bounty of the season. The medlar fruit isn’t something you come across every day, but its unique, complex flavor makes this tart an absolutely delightful treat. The medlar pulp, sweetened with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, gives the tart a rich, almost spiced apple taste that’s both comforting and somewhat exotic.
Nostalgia in Every Bite
What truly makes the Medlar Tart Recipe special to me is its connection to my Irish heritage. My grandmother often spoke about the medlar fruits from her childhood, a somewhat forgotten gem in modern cuisine. Preparing this tart takes me back to the stories she shared about life in the Irish countryside. But it’s not just about tradition—the flaky, buttery crust and the aromatic filling make this a standout dish in its own right.
Health Benefits
While treats like the Medlar Tart are indulgent, they also carry some health benefits, especially when using fresh, ripe medlars. Medlars are rich in vitamins C and B, along with dietary fiber and antioxidants. These components are excellent for boosting your immune system, promoting digestive health, and fighting free radicals in your body. Paired with ingredients like cinnamon, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and lemon juice, rich in vitamin C, this tart is as nourishing as it is delicious.
For those unfamiliar with medlars, they might find the taste somewhat similar to that of spiced apples or even a bit like pear. The texture and flavor profile make it an excellent pairing with other autumnal dishes. It’s perfect served alongside a warm cup of tea or even as part of a dessert spread during the holidays. If you’re a fan of apple pie or pear tarts, you’ll likely find a new favorite in this recipe.
Incorporating the Medlar Tart Recipe into your culinary repertoire will not only impress guests with its unique flavor but also connect you to a fruit with a long history and cultural significance. Plus, its blend of sweet and spicy flavors makes it a versatile dessert that can complement a variety of meals. Try serving it after a hearty seafood chowder or a savory Irish stew for a truly satisfying dining experience.
For more on the health benefits of ingredients like cinnamon and medlars, you might find these resources interesting:
Cinnamon Benefits and Medlar Fruit Information. Embrace the delight of discovering something new while honoring the past with this delightful Medlar Tart Recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 2 cups medlar pulp (about 3-4 ripe medlars, peeled and deseeded)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
Step Three
Add the diced, chilled unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step Four
Add the lightly beaten egg and cold water to the mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
Step Five
Form the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step Six
Prepare the medlar filling by combining the medlar pulp, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
Step Seven
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess.
Step Eight
Pour the medlar filling into the prepared tart crust and spread it out evenly.
Step Nine
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Step Ten
Allow the tart to cool completely before garnishing with powdered sugar, if desired.
Step Eleven
Serve and enjoy your Medlar Tart!
