Country Tart

The Country Tart is a rustic and delightful dessert, ideal for a snack or to end a meal with a touch of sweetness. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

• 300 g of type 00 flour
• 150 g of cold butter, cubed
• 120 g of sugar
• 1 large egg and 1 yolk
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 pinch of salt
• Fruit jam of choice (usually apricot or cherry for this cake)
• Icing sugar for decoration (optional)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the sugar and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and work the mixture with your hands or a fork until it has a sandy consistency.
3. Make a well in the center and add the whole egg and the yolk, along with the grated lemon zest.
4. Quickly knead until you have a ball of shortcrust pastry. Do not overwork the dough to prevent the tart from becoming hard.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. After the resting time, preheat the oven to 180 °C.
7. Roll out 2/3 of the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm and line a 24-26 cm tart pan, previously buttered and floured.
8. Prick the bottom with a fork and spread the jam over the pastry.
9. Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips to create the characteristic lattice on the surface of the tart.
10. Bake and cook for about 30 minutes or until the tart is golden.
11. Allow to cool completely before serving, and if you wish, dust with icing sugar to decorate.

Curiosities

In Italian culinary tradition, the tart is one of the most beloved and versatile desserts. Each region, and sometimes each family, has their own variation, with little tricks and secrets passed down from generation to generation. In the country tart, the simplicity of the ingredients and the used jam bring to mind homemade preserves and the authentic flavors of rural life.