Description
This elegant Strawberry Pistachio Tart features a delicate sweet shortcrust pastry filled with a creamy pistachio ganache made from white chocolate and 100% pistachio paste. Topped with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, this tart combines a buttery, crisp shell with a rich, nutty filling and bright, juicy fruit for a sophisticated dessert perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Sweet Shortcrust Pastry
- 90 g Icing sugar
- 230 g Pastry flour (All-purpose flour can be used)
- 30 g Almond flour
- Pinch of salt
- 110 g Unsalted butter (very cold, cut into chunks)
- 50 g Egg (approx. 1 egg)
Pistachio Ganache
- 300 g Callebaut white chocolate (callets)
- 150 g Pistachio paste (100% pistachios)
- 200 g Heavy cream (36% fat)
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- Fresh strawberries (quantity as desired for topping)
- Chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Butter: Measure and cut the very cold butter into chunks and place it into the freezer for a few minutes to keep it chilled.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together the pastry flour, icing sugar, almond flour, and a pinch of salt to create a fine, uniform mixture.
- Combine Butter and Dry Ingredients: Add the cold butter chunks into the dry ingredients, rubbing the mixture between your hands until it resembles a sandy texture.
- Add Egg and Form Dough: Incorporate the egg into the mixture and gently mix with your hands just until the dough comes together.
- Knead the Dough: Use the palm of your hand to knead the dough for one to two minutes until it becomes smooth, taking care not to over-knead or use any machine.
- Chill Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too warm or sticky, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before proceeding.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough out to a 2mm thickness between two silicone baking mats for an even surface.
- Prepare Baking Setup: Arrange the oven rack with a perforated ‘air’ baking mat and place the perforated tart rings on top.
- Cut and Place Tart Bases: Using a tart ring, cut out 8 circles from the dough and carefully transfer them into the tart rings with an offset spatula.
- Work with Dough Temperature: Keep the dough cold enough to handle by frequently chilling it in the freezer for 5 minutes if it warms or becomes sticky.
- Cut and Attach Tart Sides: Cut 8 long strips from the dough to form the tart sides and press each strip onto the tart rings, ensuring they adhere well.
- Freeze Tart Shells: Place the tart rings with the assembled dough shells in the freezer for 1 hour to firm up before baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F), no fan setting.
- Trim Dough Tops: After chilling, trim the tops of the pastry shells with a sharp knife for a neat finish.
- Bake Tart Shells: Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the rings and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until golden brown. If the crust sticks to the rings, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Cool Tart Shells: Let the pastry cases cool completely on the perforated ‘air’ baking mat before filling.
- Prepare Pistachio Ganache: Place the finely chopped white chocolate and pistachio paste into a bowl. Heat the cream until just simmering and pour it over the chocolate mixture along with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for a minute, then stir or blend to an emulsified ganache.
- Fill Tart Shells: Once cooled, fill each tart shell with the warm pistachio ganache, filling up to the edges.
- Set Ganache: Refrigerate the filled tarts for 4 to 6 hours to allow the ganache to set firmly.
- Prepare Strawberries: Cut strawberries as desired and gently pat them with paper towels to remove excess juice, preventing sogginess.
- Assemble Tart: Arrange the strawberries neatly on top of each tart and sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios for decoration.
- Serve or Store: Serve the tarts shortly after assembly or store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Notes
- Keep the dough very cold throughout handling to ensure a crisp and flaky crust.
- Do not over-knead the dough to avoid tough pastry.
- Using a perforated baking mat and tart rings helps achieve an even bake and crisp edges.
- Allow the ganache to set fully in the fridge for best texture and flavor balance.
- Removing excess moisture from strawberries is essential to keep the tart shell crisp.
- Store refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert - Tart
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired