| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 11g | 6g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 33g | 1g | 4g | 0.20g |
As a culinary enthusiast who enjoys infusing authentic Tex-Mex flavors in traditional and contemporary cuisine, I am excited to share one of my favorite dessert recipes: the Red Medlar Tart. What I love about this delightful recipe is that it features a wonderful fusion of southern American baking traditions with the unique tartness of the medlar fruit—a delightful ingredient that takes this classic pastry to a whole new level of deliciousness!
The Delicious Harmony of Flavors
The Red Medlar Tart recipe showcases the heavenly marriage of spiced, sweet pastry with the tangy medlar fruit. This recipe strikes the perfect balance, captivating both the sweet tooth and the fruit enthusiasts. It is reminiscent of the famous Southern Living apple pies but with a unique twist drawing from the Tex-Mex influence I love to incorporate into my dishes.
Health Benefits and Pairing Suggestions
Beyond its intriguing flavor profile, the Red Medlar Tart recipe offers several health benefits. Medlar fruit is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fibers that promote heart health and digestive wellness. Plus, the cinnamon and nutmeg used in this recipe not only add a burst of flavor but also carry antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and benefits for brain health.
As this tart is naturally sweet yet tangy, it would pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a dessert. For a savory contrast, try it with a slice of sharp cheddar or a smear of creamy brie.
Reviving the Baking Tradition with an Innovative Twist
We often forget how important it is to keep traditional baking practices alive. The Red Medlar Tart does exactly that, but with a unique blend of flavors. It revitalizes the classic fruit tart genre with a touch of unexpected tartness from the medlar fruit, setting it apart from the more common apple or cherry tart.
So whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, the Red Medlar Tart is a sublime dessert recipe to add to your repertoire. Not only will it impress your guests, but it will also give you yet another way to enjoy the health benefits and fantastic flavors of remarkable ingredients like medlar fruit.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Medlar fruit
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of ice water
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 2 tbsp of red food coloring
Method
Step One
Firstly, start by cleaning the Medlar fruits. After that, add them to a large mixing bowl along with granulated sugar and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes giving the sugar sufficient time to dissolve into fruit juice.
Step Two
In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, unsalted butter, then using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water into the mixture, then stir until a ball of dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
Step Three
Once your dough is ready, grease a tart pan and spread out the dough into it evenly. After that, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
Step Four
Next, get back to your fruit-sugar mix. To this bowl, add your cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir this mixture well until evenly combined. Now, gradually add your red food coloring into the mixture while continuously stirring to ensure that the color spreads out evenly, creating a vibrant red filling.
Step Five
Pour this red filling into your tart pan, spreading it out over your tart dough
Step Six
Finally, separate the egg. Lightly beat the egg white, then brush it over the edges of the tart. Bake the tart in your preheated oven for around 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Allow the tart to fully cool before slicing and serving.
