Ingredients:
Pie crust:
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cold unsalted butter: 3/4 cup
- Ice water: 3-4 tablespoons
- Black tea leaves: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
Filling:
- Eggs: 2
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: A pinch
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
Fruit:
- Mixed fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi): 2 cups
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water and pulse until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out the Crust: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the pan, trim the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden.
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and sugar. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the heavy cream. Stir in the tea rubs.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the filling into the baked crust. Arrange the mixed fruits on top, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Bake the Tart: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the fruit is slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Allow the tart to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the tart, complementing the sweetness of the fruit and the richness of the custard.
- For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of liqueur, such as Chambord or Cointreau, to the filling.
- This French Fruit Tart with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a dessert that requires a touch of elegance. The addition of tea rubs creates a memorable and aromatic dessert.