Mini tarts with strawberries

Goodies for carolers are a warm tradition filled with memories and, above all, delicious tastes. In this guide, I will present you with a fascinating recipe for mini strawberry tarts, a perfect choice to bring smiles to the faces of the carolers who cross your threshold. A combination of flaky pastry and sweet-tart strawberry filling, these mini tarts are not only a delight for the taste buds but also a visual feast.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: 6 mini tarts

Ingredients

For the pastry:
- 280 g flour
- 100 g cold butter, diced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 70 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- Vanilla extract (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

For the filling:
- 500 g strawberries, fresh and ripe
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Preparation

1. Preparing the strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries well and cutting them into small pieces. Then, place them in a saucepan along with the 7 tablespoons of sugar. Put the saucepan over medium heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. You will see how the strawberries release their juice, creating a delicious mixture. If you notice that it has released too much juice, feel free to strain it to achieve a thicker filling.

2. Thickening the filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold strawberry juice. Add this mixture to the saucepan and let it simmer for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. When the filling becomes denser and glossy, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool.

3. Preparing the pastry: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold diced butter and, using your fingers, rub the ingredients together until you achieve a crumbly mixture, similar to wet sand. This step is crucial for obtaining a flaky pastry. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough starts to come together. If you feel it is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water.

4. Chilling the dough: Once the dough is well combined, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help firm up the butter and make the dough easier to handle.

5. Assembling the tarts: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Divide the dough into two parts: 2/3 for the tart bases and 1/3 for covering them. Make a mini tart pan (or 6 small ones) and firmly press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pans. This step is crucial for maintaining the shape of the tarts during baking.

6. Adding the filling: Fill each tart with the cooled strawberry mixture, leaving a little space at the edges to add the remaining dough on top. Cover each tart with pieces of the remaining dough, sprinkling it evenly over the top.

7. Baking: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the dough is golden and crispy. The golden color is an indication that the tarts are ready.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the mini tarts are baked, let them cool in the pans for a few minutes, then carefully transfer them to a cooling rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Tips and Tricks

- Selection of strawberries: Choose ripe but firm strawberries to avoid a filling that is too soft. High-quality strawberries will make a difference in the final taste of the tarts.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, to create mixed fruit mini tarts.
- Serving: These mini tarts pair perfectly with a warm tea or a sweet white wine, bringing a festive air to any gathering.

Nutritional Benefits

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. Although these mini tarts are a dessert, they can be included in moderation in a balanced diet. The flour used is a source of carbohydrates, and the butter provides healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other seasonal fruits. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the chosen fruit.

2. Can I freeze these mini tarts?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Once completely cool, divide them into portions and place them in an airtight container. When you want to serve them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. How can I make these tarts less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use tarter fruits, such as raspberries.

These mini strawberry tarts are not only a treat but also a great way to bring a touch of joy to holiday meals. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy the magic of cooking!

 Ingredients: for the dough: 280 g flour 100 g cold butter 1 egg 70 g sugar 1 pinch of salt Vanilla essence for the filling: 500 g strawberries 7 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch

 Tags:  mini tarts with strawberries minitarte strawberries homemade sweets goodies for carolers