Galician Tarta de Abelleira

Introduction to Galician Tarta de Abelleira

Tarta de Abelleira is a traditional dessert from the Galicia region in Spain. Known for its rich flavors and dense texture, it's a delightful combination of ground hazelnuts, sugar, and eggs, capturing the essence of Galician culinary history. The tart is named after "abellas," which means "bees" in Galician, possibly alluding to the sweet, natural flavors of the ingredients used.

A Brief History of Tarta de Abelleira

Originating from the lush, green pastures of Galicia, Tarta de Abelleira has been a staple in local festivities for centuries. With its roots deeply embedded in the traditions of Galician monks, this tart was originally made in monasteries using hazelnuts found abundantly in the region. Over time, it has become a cherished treat, enjoyed during celebrations and family gatherings.

Ingredients for Tarta de Abelleira

To create this classic Galician dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

• Hazelnuts - 250g, toasted and ground
• Sugar - 200g
• Eggs - 4 large
• Lemon - Zest of one
• Butter - 50g, melted
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Icing sugar - For dusting

Preparation of Tarta de Abelleira

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10 minutes, or until their skins have darkened slightly. Allow them to cool before rubbing off the skins and grinding them into a coarse powder.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the wet ingredients: Separate the eggs into yolks and whites. Beat the yolks until they are light and slightly thickened. Add the zest of the lemon and melted butter to the yolks, mixing well.
4. Combine mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture until well incorporated.
5. Beat egg whites: In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Carefully fold them into the main mixture to keep the batter light and airy.

Cooking Process

Once the batter is prepared, follow these steps to bake the Tarta de Abelleira:

1. Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 24cm (9-inch) springform pan with butter and line the base with parchment paper.
2. Pour the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Bake the tart: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
4. Cooling process: Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

To ensure perfect results, use a cooking timer to track the baking time accurately.

Serving and Enjoyment

After the tart has cooled, transfer it to a serving platter and dust the top with icing sugar for a sweet finish. Slice and serve the Tarta de Abelleira with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

This rich tart pairs wonderfully with a glass of Galician Albariño wine or a warm cup of dark coffee. It makes for a delightful dessert or a sweet addition to a tea party.

Storing the Tart

The Tarta de Abelleira can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerated for a week, ensuring you can enjoy this delectable dessert at your leisure.

Experience the flavors of Galicia through every bite of this traditional and satisfying Tarta de Abelleira!