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Salted Caramel and Praline Nut Tartlets

17/11/2023

Here is the recipe for salted caramel with praline nuts tartlets, a real delicacy with a not too veiled Italian touch.

Ingredients

  • For the shortcrust pastry:

    • 250 g of plain flour
    • 125 g of cold butter, cubed
    • 100 g of icing sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 pinch of salt

  • For the salted caramel:

    • 200 g of granulated sugar
    • 90 g of butter
    • 120 ml of fresh cream
    • 1 teaspoon of sea salt (fine or flaky)

  • For the praline nuts:

    • 100 g of walnuts
    • 50 g of sugar
    • A pinch of sea salt

Preparation

  1. Start with the shortcrust pastry: in a bowl, combine flour and icing sugar. Add the cold butter and work with your fingertips until you get a sandy mixture. Add the egg and salt, and work until the dough is smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, prepare the salted caramel. Dissolve the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, without stirring, until it turns into an amber liquid. Add the butter and stir until it has melted into the caramel. Carefully (it may splatter), pour in the cream and add the salt; stir until you get a smooth caramel. Let cool to room temperature.

  3. For the praline nuts, lightly toast the walnuts in a pan. Dissolve the sugar in another pan until it becomes a golden caramel, add the toasted nuts and salt. Mix well to coat, then spread on a sheet of parchment paper and let cool before breaking them into pieces.

  4. Roll out the shortcrust pastry and use it to line small tartlet molds previously buttered and floured. Prick the bottoms with a fork, cover with parchment paper, and fill with dried beans. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 °C for about 15 minutes, then remove beans and paper and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until golden. Let cool.

  5. Once cool, fill the tartlets with the salted caramel and garnish with praline nuts. Let rest in the refrigerator before serving, to allow the caramel to set.

Curiosity

Praline nuts are a crunchy, sweet-and-salty touch that pairs very well with the creaminess of the caramel. This flavor combination is also appreciated in Italy, particularly the presence of salt in sweets is a culinary trend that has spread in recent years, enhancing the contrast that tantalizes the palate.

Salted Caramel and Praline Nut Tartlets