Rice cake with sour cherries

Cherry Rice Tart: a refined dessert with an inviting taste

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

What could be more comforting than a cherry rice tart, with a creamy texture and a sweet-sour taste, perfect for enjoying on cool evenings or family gatherings? This recipe harmoniously blends tradition with a touch of innovation, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful masterpiece.

The story behind the recipe

Rice tart is a dessert that has been enjoyed for generations, contributing to festive meals and beyond. A combination of flavors and textures, this dish has often been prepared with seasonal ingredients, ingeniously utilizing the harvest. Cherries, with their natural acidity, provide a pleasant contrast, while the rice offers a unique consistency, making each slice a true culinary experience.

Ingredients

*For the crust:*
- 350 g flour
- 90 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 200 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- A pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 250 g round-grain rice
- 250 ml white wine (a dry wine is ideal)
- 750 ml water
- 2 lemons (preferably organic, to take advantage of the zest)
- 200 g sugar
- 50 g pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, as preferred)
- 50 g toasted walnut (can be replaced with almonds for a different note)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, salt, and diced butter. Using your fingertips, knead the ingredients until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. Add the egg and continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
*Practical tips*: Make sure the butter is soft, as it will facilitate mixing. If you prefer a crunchier dough, you can use cold butter, but it will require more kneading time.

2. Chilling the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a tender and manageable crust.

3. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add the rice, wine, and water. Simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
*Variations*: You can use milk instead of water for creamier rice.

4. Preparing the lemon syrup
Wash the lemons well. Grate the zest of one, being careful not to touch the white part, which is bitter. Squeeze the juice from this lemon and peel the other, keeping only the flesh slices.
In a small pot, combine the lemon juice, 50 ml water, grated zest, and lemon slices. Simmer on low heat until the liquid reduces by half.
*Personal note*: The lemon syrup can also be used as a topping for other desserts, adding a touch of freshness.

5. Finalizing the filling
Once the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly, then mix it with the lemon syrup, finely chopped walnuts, and cherries. Be gentle during mixing to avoid crushing the cherries.

6. Assembling the tart
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two. Roll out half of the dough on a floured surface, then line a 26 cm tart pan. Ensure that the dough covers the edges of the pan well.
Place the cherry rice filling on top of the crust. From the remaining dough, roll out a thin sheet and cut out shapes (e.g., strips or stars) to place over the filling.
*Serving suggestion*: If you want to impress, you can decorate with dough shapes resembling leaves or flowers.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush the surface of the tart with beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the tart for 40-50 minutes or until the crust turns golden.
*Tip*: You can check if the tart is done by inserting a toothpick into the filling; if it comes out clean, it's time to take it out of the oven.

8. Serving
Once the tart has cooled slightly, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. It is best served cold, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Add a drizzle of vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
*Frequently asked question*: Can I use other types of fruit? Absolutely! Apples or peaches can be an excellent alternative.

Nutritional benefits
This tart is rich in carbohydrates from rice, providing quick energy, while cherries bring essential antioxidants and vitamin C. The walnuts add protein and healthy fats, contributing to a balanced diet. Each serving has about 280 calories, but this number may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Pairing recipes
For a complete meal, you can serve the cherry rice tart alongside a fresh fruit salad or perhaps a fragrant fruit tea. Additionally, a dry white wine, which you used in the recipe, will perfectly complement the dessert.

This cherry rice tart is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will transport you to pleasant memories, bringing smiles to the faces of loved ones. Don't hesitate to share the final result on social media or with friends, to inspire others to try this delicious recipe!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for the crust: - 350 g flour - 90 g sugar - one egg - 200 g butter - a pinch of salt Ingredients for the filling: - 250 g round grain rice - 250 ml white wine + 750 ml water - 2 lemons - 200 g sugar - 50 g pitted cherries - 50 g roasted walnut kernels