Sarlat Pepper Crustette

The Sarlat Pepper Crustette hails from the picturesque town of Sarlat-la-Canéda in southwestern France. Nestled in the heart of the Dordogne region, Sarlat is renowned for its culinary richness, particularly its use of black pepper in classic French cuisine. This dish, the Sarlat Pepper Crustette, combines the aromatic intensity of black pepper with a delightful crust to create a savory masterpiece.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 2 cups
• Black pepper - 2 tablespoons, freshly ground
• Unsalted butter - 1 cup, cold and cubed
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Egg - 1, beaten
• Cold water - 3 tablespoons
• Heavy cream - 1 cup
• Gruyère cheese - 1 cup, grated
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Preparation Steps

1. Start by preparing the crust. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, mix until the butter pieces are about the size of small peas.
3. Add the beaten egg and cold water to the mix. Stir gently until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add more cold water, a teaspoon at a time.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking Process

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and fit it into a tart or pie pan.
3. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the weights and parchment paper, then bake for another 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, remaining tablespoon of black pepper, and grated Gruyère cheese.
7. Pour the cream and cheese mixture into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
8. Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the top.
9. Bake in the oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is lightly browned. You can use a cooking timer to keep track of the time.
10. Allow the Crustette to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoying Sarlat Pepper Crustette

The Sarlat Pepper Crustette is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors of the melting cheese and aromatic black pepper to tantalize your taste buds. Pair it with a glass of French white wine such as a Sancerre, and serve it alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. Its robust and savory qualities also make it a stellar choice as an appetizer or a midday snack, perfect for gatherings with friends or family.