Fig Delight Tart

This recipe offers a delightful tart featuring a medley of figs, tomatoes, and creamy cheese encased in a buttery pastry. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, each bite of this tart is a taste sensation. The crisp base is enhanced with hints of butter and a touch of salt, while the filling is layered with slices of ripe figs and cherry tomatoes, complemented by the richness of sweet cream and a hint of hard cheese. Whether served as a starter or a light main dish, this tart will impress guests with both its taste and presentation. Ideal for a special gathering, the tart allows the natural flavors of its ingredients to shine. The preparation may take some time, but the delicious result is well worth the effort. Garnishing with optional cured meat provides an added depth of flavor for those who desire it.

Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 360 g all-purpose flour
• 180 g butter (at room temperature)
• 4 egg yolks
• A pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

• 1 shallot
• A handful of cherry tomatoes
• 4 figs
• 50 g hard cheese
• 250 g heavy cream
• 4 eggs
• 1 egg white
• Cured meat (optional)

Preparation Time

110 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Blend butter with salt and sugar using a wooden spoon or food processor.
2. Mix Ingredients: Add flour, egg yolks, and cold water. Blend until a consistent dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Using your hands, knead the dough until it is smooth and no longer crumbly. This should take around 2 minutes.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5. Prepare the Filling Ingredients: Slice the shallot into thin rings, quarter the tomatoes, and slice the figs. Cut the cheese into thin slices.
6. Prepare the Cream Mix: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
7. Roll the Dough: After chilling, roll out the pastry dough.
8. Prepare the Tart Mold: Grease a tart pan (26-28 cm) with butter, dust with a little flour, and line it with the pastry. Press it gently to fit the edges.
9. Trim Excess Dough: Use a sharp knife to trim any excess dough along the pan edges.
10. Seal the Pastry: Brush the pastry with a lightly beaten egg white to prevent it from getting soggy.
11. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 190°C.
12. Assemble the Tart: Arrange the figs, tomatoes, cheese, and shallots on the tart base.
13. Add the Cream Mixture: Pour the egg and cream mixture over the arranged ingredients.
14. Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
15. Cool the Tart: Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving.
16. Optional Garnish: Top with cured meat if desired.
17. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve as a wonderful starter or a light main course.
18. Presentation: Consider garnishes or parsley for a pop of color.
19. Pairing: Enjoy with a light salad or a glass of chilled white wine.
20. Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.

Tips

• Pastry Technique: Keep butter at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Flavor Enhancement: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra aromatic profile.
• Substitutions: Replace cream with a non-dairy alternative for a lactose-free version.
• Cheese Options: Try goat cheese or feta for a different taste twist.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Fats: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the cured meat and use more vegetables.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan egg replacer and non-dairy cream.
• Spicier Twist: Add a bit of chili flakes to the egg mixture for a kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs or chopped nuts offer great texture and flavor.
• Drinks: Complement with a crisp white wine or aromatic herbal tea.

Best Places

• Le Figurier (Paris, France) - Famed for its fig-inspired menu items. Location: 12 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.
• Tartine Manufactory (San Francisco, USA) - Offers delightful pastries and tarts. Location: 595 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA, USA.
• The Shard's View (London, UK) - Known for its spectacular views and savory tarts. Location: 32 London Bridge St, London, UK.
• Quiche et Moi (Brussels, Belgium) - Specializes in savory quiches and tarts. Location: Rue de l Amigo, Brussels, Belgium.
• Kopapa Café (Wellington, New Zealand) - Offers a fusion of global flavors. Location: 15 Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand.
• Figs & More (Rome, Italy) - Celebrates fig-infused dishes. Location: Via Gioberti, Rome, Italy.
• Little Tart Bakery (Atlanta, USA) - Famous for freshly baked sweet and savory tarts. Location: 437 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA, USA.
• La Tarterie (Montreal, Canada) - Praised for its rustic and delicious tarts. Location: 5555 Rue Clark, Montreal, QC, Canada.
• Fig & Olive (New York City, USA) - Offers a Mediterranean menu with a touch of elegance. Location: 808 Lexington Ave, New York, NY, USA.
• The Fig Tree (Sydney, Australia) - Features a creative menu with a focus on figs. Location: 65 Beach Road, Sydney, NSW, Australia.