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Ricotta, Apple, and Orange Tart

17/11/2023

The ricotta, apple, and orange tart is a delicious dessert that brings together the freshness of citrus with the creaminess of ricotta, with a touch of sweetness provided by the apple. Here is the recipe for making a ricotta, apple, and orange tart:

Ingredients

  • 300 g of all-purpose flour
  • 150 g of cold butter, cubed
  • 100 g of sugar
  • 1 egg + 1 yolk
  • A pinch of salt
  • Grated zest of 1 (organic) orange

For the filling:

  • 500 g of ricotta cheese
  • 150 g of sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 large apple
  • Juice and grated zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, to thicken the filling)
  • Powdered sugar (for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Start with the pastry dough: in a large bowl, mix the flour with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and work the mixture with your fingertips until you obtain a sandy consistency.
  2. Add the egg and yolk and knead until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. For the filling, sift the ricotta to make it creamier and mix it with sugar, eggs, and grated orange zest until smooth. If you desire a denser filling, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch.
  4. Peel the apple and cut it into small cubes. Place the apple cubes in a bowl and toss with the orange juice.
  5. Roll out the pastry dough into an even layer and lay it in a previously buttered and floured pie dish, creating tall edges.
  6. Pour the ricotta filling onto the pastry base and spread the apple cubes evenly on top.
  7. Bake the tart in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is set but still slightly creamy in the center.
  8. Allow to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Curiosity

This tart is an excellent variation on classic fruit tarts. The combination of ricotta and citrus is typical of Italian pastry, and the addition of apples provides a pleasant texture to the dessert. In some regions of Italy, especially those closer to the south, ricotta is a fundamental ingredient in many sweets and is often enhanced with the addition of flavors and spices.

I hope you enjoy this citrusy twist on the traditional tart!

Ricotta, Apple, and Orange Tart