Blood Orange Cardamom Tart is a striking and flavorful dessert that combines the vibrant, tangy notes of blood oranges with the aromatic warmth of cardamom. The tart features a buttery crust, a creamy blood orange filling, and a hint of exotic spice, making it a sophisticated treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water (more if needed)
For the Blood Orange Cardamom Filling:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice (about 4-5 blood oranges)
- 1 tablespoon grated blood orange zest
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
For Garnish (Optional):
- Blood orange slices
- Fresh mint leaves
- Powdered sugar
Instructions:
Prepare the Tart Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Egg Yolk: Stir in the egg yolk until the mixture starts to come together. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
- Chill Dough: Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit the tart pan. Transfer it to the pan and press it into the edges. Trim any excess dough.
- Pre-Bake Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Blood Orange Cardamom Filling:
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the blood orange juice, grated zest, and granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add Eggs and Cream: Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in the heavy cream and ground cardamom.
- Bake Tart: Pour the filling into the cooled tart crust.
- Bake: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly jiggles in the center.
- Cool: Allow the tart to cool completely on a wire rack. The filling will firm up as it cools.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish with blood orange slices and fresh mint leaves if desired. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
- Serve: Slice and serve the tart chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Tart:
- Chill Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent it from shrinking during baking.
- Pre-Bake Crust: Pre-baking (blind baking) ensures the crust stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy from the filling.
- Smooth Filling: Strain the filling through a fine mesh sieve if you want a smoother texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of blood orange and cardamom creates a refreshing and exotic flavor.
- Elegant Presentation: The vibrant color of the blood orange filling makes the tart visually stunning.
- Versatile: Perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or as a sophisticated everyday treat.
Enjoy making and savoring this Blood Orange Cardamom Tart—a beautiful and delicious way to highlight the flavors of citrus and spice!