Strawberry Curd Tart

The strawberry curd tart is a highly appreciated dessert that combines the crispiness of the shortcrust pastry with the creaminess and fresh taste of strawberry curd. Here is how to prepare it.

Ingredients

• For the shortcrust pastry:

  • 250g of all-purpose flour
  • 125g of cold butter
  • 100g of powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • A pinch of salt
  • The grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)

• For the strawberry curd:

  • 300g of fresh strawberries
  • 150g of granulated sugar
  • 100g of butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • The juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, to thicken)

Preparation

1. Shortcrust pastry:

   • In a bowl, combine the flour with the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt.
   • Add the cold butter cut into cubes and work the ingredients with your fingertips until you get a sandy mixture.
   • Add the egg and lemon zest, and quickly knead until you form a homogeneous dough.
   • Wrap the shortcrust pastry in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2. Strawberry curd:

   • Wash and cut the strawberries, then blend them until you obtain a smooth puree.
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice.
   • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and, if you want a thicker curd, dissolve the cornstarch in a little lemon juice.
   • Add the beaten eggs (and cornstarch, if used) to the strawberry mixture and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the curd thickens.
   • Remove the curd from the heat and let it cool, then place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

3. Assembly:

   • Roll out the shortcrust pastry into an even layer and use it to line a tart pan with raised edges, pricking the bottom with a fork.
   • Bake the base in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
   • Once cooked and cooled, pour the strawberry curd onto the shortcrust pastry base and level the surface.
   • Let the tart rest in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving it.

Fun Facts

The strawberry curd tart draws inspiration from the British tradition of lemon curd, a highly appreciated lemon cream. There are many variations of “curd” that utilize different fruits, such as oranges, tangerines, or berries. The addition of cornstarch is not traditional in the preparation of curd, but it can help achieve a thicker and more stable consistency, especially useful if you want an optimal hold of the cream inside the tart.