Umhlanga Citrus Tart

Introduction to Umhlanga Citrus Tart

The Umhlanga Citrus Tart is a delightful dessert that marries the vibrant citrus flavors with the classic tart base, drawing inspiration from the abundance of citrus fruits found in the beautiful coastal region of Umhlanga, South Africa. This dish is a homage to the zesty, fragrant fruits that are savored not only locally but also around the world. Citrus fruits, particularly enjoyed for their refreshing taste, are believed to have been cultivated for thousands of years, originating from southeast Asia and finding their way to Africa along trade routes.

Historical Significance

Historically, citrus fruits have been revered for their health benefits, especially their high vitamin C content which was crucial in preventing scurvy among sailors. As citrus cultivation spread to southern Africa, local culinary traditions eagerly embraced these fruits. The Umhlanga Citrus Tart is a contemporary creation fusing traditional baking techniques with the rich flavors of citrus to produce a dish that is both sweet and tangy, an embodiment of the sunny coastal region it hails from.

Ingredients

• Flour - 2 cups
• Butter - 1 cup (cold and diced)
• Sugar - 1/2 cup
• Egg - 2 large
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
• Lemon Zest - 1 tablespoon
• Orange Juice - 1/2 cup
• Lemon Juice - 1/4 cup
• Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 1/4 cup
• Salt - a pinch
• Heavy Cream - 1 cup

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Tart Crust

Begin by setting up your workspace with all necessary ingredients carefully measured and within reach. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for the baking process. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate small bowl, whisk one egg with the vanilla extract and lemon zest, then add to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Press the dough into a tart pan evenly covering the base and walls, then chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Baking the Crust

Remove the crust from the refrigerator and line it with parchment paper. Fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing up while baking. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden. Allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack before filling.

Making the Citrus Filling

Step 1: Cooking the Citrus Curd

In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Dissolve the cornstarch in water and stir into the juice mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble gently.

Step 2: Completing the Filling

Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the remaining butter until melted. Lightly beat the remaining egg in a separate bowl and gradually add it to the hot mixture, whisking continuously to avoid curdling. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thickened further. Once ready, pour the citrus curd into the prepared tart crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Baking and Final Touches

Reinsert the filled tart into the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, just until the filling is set at the edges and slightly wobbly in the center. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.

Serving the Umhlanga Citrus Tart

Before serving, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and optionally sweeten with a spoonful of sugar if desired. Serve slices of the chilled Umhlanga Citrus Tart with a dollop of whipped cream on top and a zest garnish for an extra zing. Pair it with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea to complete the indulgent experience.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days. To enhance your cooking process, consider using a cooking timer to keep track of baking and chilling times.