Strawberry Tart with Ricotta Cream

Strawberry and Ricotta Cream Tart is a dessert that brings together the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the delicacy of Ricotta cheese in an irresistible combination. At this time of year, when strawberries are at their peak of flavor and color, it's the perfect moment to enjoy this delight. This recipe is easy to make, perfect for any occasion, from Sunday dinners to summer parties. Let's start creating this culinary masterpiece!

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 240 g flour
- 120 g cold butter, diced
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 400 g Ricotta cheese
- 200 g creamy cottage cheese
- 4 tablespoons fine sugar
- orange essence (to taste)
- about 500 g fresh strawberries, sliced
- about 60 g blueberries
- 2 packets of clear jelly

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the crust
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the base for your dough.
2. Add the cold butter and mix with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. It's important to work quickly so the butter doesn't melt.
3. Add the egg yolks and mix gently until the dough is homogeneous. If you feel the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will help firm up the butter and make the dough easier to roll out.

Step 2: Forming the tart
5. On a floured work surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it's about 3-5 mm thick.
6. Roll the dough onto the rolling pin and carefully unroll it into the tart pan (if the pan is not non-stick, remember to grease it with butter beforehand).
7. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. This step helps prevent deformation during baking.
8. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius.
9. After the dough has rested, prick it all over with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. If you wish, you can cover the dough with parchment paper and add weights (dried lentils or beans) to hold it down.
10. Bake the dough for about 25 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Let it cool on a rack.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
11. In a bowl, combine the Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, sugar, and orange essence. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. Taste and adjust the amount of essence if necessary.
12. Once the crust has completely cooled, fill it with the Ricotta cream, leveling the surface with a spatula.

Step 4: Decorating the tart
13. Arrange the sliced strawberries and blueberries on top of the cream. These fruits not only provide an attractive appearance but also bring an explosion of flavor in every slice.
14. Prepare the jelly according to the instructions on the package. If using frozen strawberries, you can use the juice released by them, adding sugar to taste. This detail will enhance the flavor of the jelly.
15. Pour the jelly over the fruits, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Cooling and serving
16. Let the tart chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This will help set the jelly and blend the flavors.
17. When you're ready to serve, you can garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for a touch of color and freshness.

Chef's Tip:
- If you want to give the tart a distinctive note, you can add a bit of lemon juice to the Ricotta cream. This will balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Instead of strawberries, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to create interesting variations of this recipe.

Nutritional Benefits:
- Ricotta is an excellent source of protein and calcium, being easy to digest.
- Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, with a low calorie content.
- This tart can be a healthier alternative to heavier desserts, offering natural sweetness without using too much sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can try mascarpone cheese or a combination of Ricotta and goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
- How can I store the tart? The tart keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It's best to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
- Will I need a special tart pan? A standard tart pan is perfect, but you can also use individual molds for smaller portions.

Delicious Combinations:
- This tart pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a sweet white wine.
- You can serve it alongside a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

So now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! The Strawberry and Ricotta Cream Tart is sure to become a family favorite, bringing a touch of freshness and joy to any meal. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: The ingredients are for 2 small molds and one with a diameter of 24 cm. Batter: 240 g flour, 120 g butter, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 4 egg yolks, a pinch of salt. Filling: 400 g Ricotta cheese, 200 g creamy cow cheese, 4 tablespoons fine sugar, orange essence, approx. 500 g strawberries, approx. 60 g blueberries, 2 packets of transparent jelly.

 Tags:  tart strawberries ricotta dough tart