The Crostata is an appetizing Italian tart popular for its simple and cozy appearance with great taste. In many ways, this classic dessert reflects the spirit of Italian baking and can be modified with the absence of any one ingredient. Regardless, of what one varies in filling it with sweet fruit preserves or savory options, the Crostata is unique delightful, and quite simply will not fail to please the palate.
The Origins of Crostata
The Crostata pudding can be traced back to Italy and more specifically was recognized as early as the 15th century. Indeed, they can be regarded as a testimony to the tendency toward spite and balance in Italian baking. The name crostata comes from the Italian word for crust while the tart’s essence as a pastry filled with some kind of topping is echoed in its name. For many years, Crostatas were prepared with fresh fruit and homemade compote in Italy and became very popular. In modern society, this dessert remains one of the most popular and treasured deserts in different countries.
Why Crostata is Special
However, the key factors that make the Crostata unique compared to other tarts are the more home-like looking appearance and the fact that it can be easily adapted to all shapes and sizes. Pour un gâteau, la Crostata ne ressemble en aucune manière à la poupée au dessin impeccable, ce qui est une des Saveur etsans doute pour ça aussi, elle est informelle et de forme irrégulière.
What makes it a perfect dessert is that it can be prepared by anyone, even those who are new to the world of baking. With the Crostata, the base was flaky and crumbly and had a buttery, almost shortbread-like texture that was great against whatever was inside. For the more traditionalists, you can try the apricot preserve recipe or go farther afield with berries, peaches, or even savory ricotta and spinach filling to suit your taste.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make a traditional Crostata, you need a few simple ingredients: the ingredients required are all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, cold unsalted butter, egg and vanilla extract, and ice water. Filling usually refers to fruit preserves, though fresh fruit slices in addition to the Preserves may also be used. If desired one can add ingredients such as cinnamon, lemon zest, or almond flour to the dough to provide the bread with a hint of cinnamon, citrus tanginess, or enveloping nutty flavor respectively.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: For the dry ingredients, measure the flour, sugar, and salt into a separate bowl. You should add cold butter and stir just until the mixture is sandy, with pea-sized pieces of butter. Wipe the mixture with a beaten egg and vanilla extract to the dough and finally add ice water to shape the dough. Some companies shape the dough into a disk, enclose it with plastic wrap, and require refrigeration for at least half an hour.
- Roll Out the Dough: After that leave it to chill, then on a floured surface with a rolling pin, flatten the dough to form a rough circle marginally, 1/8 of an inch thick. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add the Filling: Place fruit preserves on top of the dough and smooth it out to the edges leaving only about 2 inches of space. Chop and add fresh fruits of your preference like bananas or apples for a better taste.
- Fold the Edges: Over the filling arrange the dough in such a manner that will cover the top of the filling with ruffled and irregular folds on the outside.
- Bake the Crostata: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until the top is slightly browned and the cheese filling bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Once the Crostata is done, let it cool before you cut it into portions and serve. It is best served as it is, sometimes a little on the warm side, and served normally with whipped cream or ice cream, vanilla ice cream to be precise.
A Versatile Delight
As iconic and simple as the Crostata seems, its true beauty lies in its versatility. Be it vegetables, fruits, or poultry it can be served hot as a dessert, for breakfast or brunch, or as a dinner party dish. This gives an unrefined look and is imperfect, which is perfectly fine since it reminds you of homemade food.
Try More Recipe:- No Bake Key Lime Pie: Quick & Delicious Dessert Recipe
How to Make a Perfect Crostata: Traditional Italian Tart Recipe
Description
Crostata is a group of Italian dessert tarts in which the pastry is short, i. e. crumbly with a sweet or savory filling. It is a happy and satisfying dinner that can be produced without variation and has changed in accordance with taste.
Ingredients
Optional Ingredients:
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and vanilla extract together. Pour this into the flour mixture.
- Add the ice water and gently mix until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overworking the dough.
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Chill the Dough:
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Add the Filling:
- Spread the fruit preserves evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- If using fresh fruit slices, arrange them on top of the preserves.
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Fold the Edges:
- Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a rustic, pleated edge. The center will remain exposed.
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Bake the Crostata:
- Bake the crostata in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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- Let the crostata cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 410kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 14g70%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 391mg17%
- Potassium 168mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 65g22%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 33g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 23 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- The crostata dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Experiment with different fruit preserves and fresh fruits to create unique flavor combinations.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
