- Cornstarch (Thickening Agent for Smooth Texture)
Use these ingredients to create a delicious almond tart with a tangy lemon curd filling. Ensure you have all necessary kitchen tools such as a food processor, mixing bowls, and an oven to prepare this delightful dessert.
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Steps
### Almond Tart with Lemon Curd Dessert Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction:
Almond tart with lemon curd is a delightful treat that combines the richness of almonds with the tangy sweetness of lemons. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy evening at home, this dessert requires some preparation but yields impressive results. Follow these detailed steps to create an exquisite almond tart with lemon curd.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 ready-made shortcrust pastry (almond-flavored if possible)
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 50g sugar
- Zest of 3 lemons
- 3 egg yolks
- Juice of 3 lemons
- 75g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
#### Equipment:
- Tart pan with a removable bottom
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
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### Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
1. **Preheat Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. **Roll Out the Pastry:** Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface until it is about 3mm thick.
3. **Shape and Bake:** Place the rolled-out pastry into the tart pan, ensuring it fits snugly around the edges. Trim any excess pastry with a sharp knife. Prick the base of the tart with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
4. **Bake the Pastry Shell:** Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill it with baking beans or dried rice. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the beans/rice and bake for another 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
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### Step 2: Make the Lemon Curd
1. **Mix Lemon Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the lemon zest, egg yolks, lemon juice, sugar, and cornflour.
2. **Cooking the Curd:** Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula until it thickens into a smooth curd. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Ensure you do not let the mixture boil or it will curdle.
3. **Cool and Set:** Once the lemon curd has cooled slightly, pour it into the prepared tart shell.
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### Step 3: Add Almond Layer
1. **Whip Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Fold in Almonds:** Fold in the almond flakes or finely ground almonds (about 50g) into the mixture until well combined.
3. **Spread on Tart:** Spread this mixture evenly over the lemon curd layer in the tart shell.
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### Step 4: Bake and Cool
1. **Bake the Tart:** Place the tart back in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the almond topping is golden brown.
2. **Allow to Set:** Allow the tart to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
### Tips for Perfect Results:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Use a high-quality lemon curd recipe for maximum flavor.
- For extra texture, sprinkle some chopped almonds over the tart before baking.
- Serve this tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey to enhance its flavors.
#### Conclusion:
With these detailed steps and tips, you can create a beautiful almond tart with lemon curd that is sure to impress your guests. This dessert pairs wonderfully as an elegant centerpiece for any gathering or a delightful treat for yourself!