Description
This kick-ass tart is not overly sweet, but full of natural goodness. The flavors of coconut, ricotta, walnuts and berries pair wonderfully, making it the perfect indulgence.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups walnuts
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 large free-range egg whites
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
Filling:
- 3 cups frozen berries, defrosted
- 3 tbsp potato starch
- 2 cups smooth ricotta
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 lemon peel, grated
- 1 large free-range egg
- 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp raw honey
Instructions
- Crust Preparation:
- Start by lightly greasing a 10-inch (25 cm) tart tin with a bit of coconut oil or non-stick spray.
- Using a food processor, add 2 cups of walnuts. Pulse until the walnuts are broken down into a coarse meal.
- Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the ground walnuts in the processor. This helps bind the crust.
- Separate two eggs, reserving the whites. Add these egg whites to the food processor along with 1/2 cup of coconut flour. Blend until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
- Take this dough and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your greased tart tin. Make sure it’s evenly spread. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Oven Preheating:
- Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Ensure the oven rack is in the middle position for even baking.
- Filling Preparation:
- Defrost 3 cups of frozen berries at room temperature or in the microwave, then toss them with 3 tablespoons of potato starch in a bowl. This helps thicken the berry juices during baking.
- In another mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of low-fat ricotta cheese with one large egg, lemon peel, lemon juice, adding 1 teaspoon of natural vanilla extract and the raw honey. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Taste to see if you need to add more honey.
- Baking the Crust:
- Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges start to look golden and the base is slightly firm. Remove from the oven but keep the oven on.
- Assembling the Tart:
- Spoon the berry mixture evenly over the baked crust. Then, carefully spread the ricotta mixture on top of the berries, making sure it’s even and smooth.
- Final Baking:
- Return the assembled tart to the oven and bake for another 20-30 minutes. The ricotta should look firm and the edges of the tart golden brown. If uncertain, gently touch the center of the tart; it should feel set, not liquidy.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. This allows air to circulate and helps the tart to set properly before slicing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Notes
- Ensure the walnuts are processed to a coarse consistency, not turned into butter.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the tin to avoid crumbling when serving.
- If the ricotta filling appears too liquid before baking, you can add an extra tablespoon of honey or sugar to help firm it up.
- Allow the tart to cool completely for best texture and flavor development.
- Experiment with different types of berries according to season and availability for varying flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Chilling Time: 35 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French