Russian pie

Russian Tart: A Delicacy with Cheese and Cocoa

The Russian tart is a dessert that perfectly combines a soft and creamy texture with a crunchy base, made from simple yet exceptionally flavorful ingredients. This recipe has its origins in culinary tradition, often prepared for special occasions, but can be enjoyed any day of the week. Whether you desire a dessert for a festive meal or simply want to indulge after a long day, this tart will bring joy to your table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients needed for the tart:
For the base:
- 400 g of flour
- 3 egg yolks
- 250 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons of liquid cream
- 100 g of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For the cheese cream:
- 5 eggs
- 1 kg of sweet cheese (preferably cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 100 ml of sweet cream
- 150 g of yogurt
- 2 vanilla puddings (or 2 tablespoons of cornstarch)
- 75 g of sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 egg yolk (for final brushing)
- 4 tablespoons of liquid cream (for final brushing)

Useful tips about ingredients:
- Choose a quality butter, as it will influence the final taste of the tart.
- Sweet cheese can be chosen based on personal preferences; a creamier cheese will provide a finer texture.
- It is important that the ingredients are at room temperature for easier incorporation and to avoid lumps.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, add the flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, sugar, and egg yolks. Mix the dry ingredients with a spatula or whisk, then add the diced butter and liquid cream. Knead the mixture well until you obtain a smooth dough. It should not be sticky but should easily detach from your hands.

2. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential to achieve a crunchy and manageable base.

3. Preparing the cream: In another bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a mixer or with a whisk, mix the yolks with the cheese, cream, yogurt, vanilla puddings, sugar, and lemon zest. Mix well until you obtain a creamy mixture without lumps.

4. Beating the egg whites: Beat the egg whites until foamy, gradually adding 50 grams of sugar until you obtain a firm meringue. This step will add a light and airy texture to the cream.

5. Combining the ingredients: With a spatula, gently fold the meringue into the cheese mixture, being careful to keep the air in the composition.

6. Assembling the tart: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a baking pan (preferably one with a removable bottom) with parchment paper. Spread 2/3 of the tart dough on the bottom of the pan, creating an even base. Pour the cheese cream over the base, leveling it with a spatula. Tear the remaining dough into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the cream.

7. Baking: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the surface becomes golden.

8. Finalizing: Beat the egg yolk with the 4 tablespoons of liquid cream and brush the tart with this mixture. Bake the tart for another 15 minutes, which will give it a shiny and appetizing glaze.

9. Cooling: Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan. This will help stabilize the cream and make cutting easier.

10. Serving: Cut the tart into pieces and serve it plain or with a dollop of fresh cream on top. This tart is also wonderful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of Russian tart contains about 350 calories, making it a delicious choice, but in moderation. Sweet cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and the use of yogurt and cream adds a boost of probiotics, beneficial for the digestive system.

Possible variations:
- For added flavor, you can add vanilla essence or cinnamon to the cheese mixture.
- Instead of cocoa, you can use almond flour for a different base, adding a nutty note.
- Replace the sweet cheese with a mixture of goat cheese and ricotta for a more intense and savory flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use soy cheese to make a vegan version?
Yes, you can use soy cheese or tofu, but the texture and taste will be different. Add a little lemon juice to mimic the flavor of cheese.

2. Can I prepare the tart in advance?
Absolutely! The tart can be made a day in advance, and the flavor will become even more intense as the flavors combine.

3. How can I prevent the tart's surface from cracking?
Make sure not to overbeat the egg whites and gently fold them into the cheese mixture. Also, do not open the oven during baking.

This Russian tart will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia in every slice. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this simple yet flavorful recipe!

 Ingredients: dough: 400 g flour 3 egg yolks 250 g butter 5 tablespoons liquid cream 100 g sugar 4 tablespoons cocoa 1 packet baking powder 1 pinch of salt cream: 5 eggs 1 kg sweet cheese 100 ml sweet cream 150 g yogurt 2 vanilla puddings 75 g sugar grated lemon zest 1 egg yolk 4 tablespoons liquid cream

 Tags:  pie whipped cream cheese