Tarte Australe

The Tarte Australe, inspired by the vibrant and diverse culinary heritage of Australia and New Zealand, is a captivating dessert that captures the essence of the southern hemisphere’s fruits and flavors. This dessert marries the delicate sweetness of a tropical fruit medley with a buttery, flaky pastry.

Background and History

The concept of tarts dates back centuries, with variations emerging across Europe before making their way to the southern continents. The Tarte Australe is a modern creation, evolving through adaptation of classic tart techniques to incorporate indigenous fruits and produce from the region known for its rich biodiversity.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are key to crafting an authentic Tarte Australe:

• Pastry flour - 250g
• Unsalted butter - 125g, chilled and diced
• Icing sugar - 50g
• Ice water - 3-4 tablespoons
• Passionfruit pulp - 2 fruits
• Kiwi fruit - 2, peeled and sliced
• Mango - 1, peeled and diced
• Lemon - juice of 1, plus zest
• Sugar - 100g
• Cream - 200ml
• Eggs - 3 yolks
• Gelatin - 2 sheets
• Mint leaves for garnish

Preparation

Embark on the Tarte Australe journey by preparing the perfect pastry base. Follow these steps to form the foundation of your dessert:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine pastry flour and icing sugar thoroughly.
2. Add diced butter into the mixture, rubbing gently with fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Gradually incorporate ice water, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

As the dough chills, prepare the fragrant fruit filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine passionfruit pulp, kiwi, and mango pieces.
2. Stir in sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Cook over medium heat until the mixture lightly thickens.
3. Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool.
4. Soak gelatin sheets in cold water for about 5 minutes, then add to the warm fruit mixture to dissolve.

Assembly and Cooking

Now that your components are ready, bring them together in the following steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
2. Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a floured surface to about a 5mm thickness.
3. Line a tart tin with the pastry, trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork and line with parchment paper and baking beans.
4. Bake blind in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove beans and paper, returning to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
5. Whisk cream and eggs yolks together, combining with the cooled fruit filling.
6. Pour the mixture into the baked tart shell, smoothing over with a spatula.
7. Return the assembled tart to the oven, baking for approximately 20 minutes or until the filling has set. Use a cooking timer for precision.

Serving the Tarte Australe

Allow your completed Tarte Australe to cool to room temperature. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness. This tart can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it an adaptable choice for any occasion.

Pair your tart with a crisp glass of dessert wine or a warm cup of Australian grown bush tea to enhance the medley of flavors.

Delight in the harmony of tropical fruits and buttery pastry of the Tarte Australe, inviting the taste of the southern skies right to your table.