Description
Indulgent Strawberry and Ricotta Crostata dances with Italian charm, blending sweet ricotta and luscious fig jam in a rustic pastry embrace. Silky filling and buttery crust promise a delightful journey through Mediterranean flavors you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2025 dried figs (260 grams)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- Juice of 1 lemon
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft a luscious fig compote by simmering dried figs with sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium saucepan for 15-20 minutes. Allow the mixture to thicken and cool completely.
- Create a delicate pastry dough by blending flour, sugar, and baking powder. Incorporate eggs, egg yolks, and softened butter until a cohesive mixture forms. Add extra flour if the texture feels too sticky. Chill the dough in plastic wrap for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Macerate fresh strawberries with sugar to release natural juices. Whisk ricotta with sugar, vanilla, egg, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the ricotta mixture across the dough’s center, leaving a 2-inch border. Arrange macerated strawberries over the filling and dollop fig jam strategically.
- Carefully fold the dough’s edges inward, creating a rustic, free-form tart shape that reveals the vibrant filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust turns a rich golden brown and the filling sets. Allow the crostata to rest briefly before serving to enhance flavors and texture.
Notes
- Prevent soggy crust by patting strawberries dry with paper towels before adding to the filling to reduce excess moisture.
- Substitute fig jam with other preserves like raspberry or apricot for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
- Enhance the dough’s texture by chilling it longer, up to overnight, which helps develop richer flavors and creates a more tender crust.
- For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the dough maintains similar consistency and binding properties.
- Prep Time: 55-60 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 207
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg