Ricotta Tart with Strawberry Compote

Shortcrust Pastry Ingredients:

• 300 g 00 flour
• 150 g butter
• 100 g sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 pinch of salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 500 g cow's milk ricotta
• 100 g sugar
• 2 eggs
• grated lemon zest
• strawberry compote by Lina sapori e delizie

Preparation:

1. Knead the flour with the cold butter in pieces, sugar, egg, and salt until a smooth dough is formed.
2. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix the ricotta with sugar, eggs, and grated lemon zest.
4. Roll out the shortcrust pastry and line a cake tin with it.
5. Pour the ricotta filling into the cake tin and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 40 minutes.
6. Let the crostata cool and fill it with strawberry compote from Lina sapori e delizie.

Why it works:

• contrast of textures
  • crumbly shortcrust pastry: the shortcrust pastry base, if well made, is crumbly and melts in your mouth, creating a pleasant contrast with the softness of the filling
  • creamy ricotta filling: ricotta, mixed with sugar and eggs, creates a creamy and enveloping filling that pairs perfectly with the texture of the shortcrust pastry
  • fruit compote: the fresh fruit compote adds a touch of texture and a slightly tart note that balances the sweetness of the filling
• balance of flavors
  • delicate sweetness of ricotta: ricotta, with its delicate and slightly sweet flavor, pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the compote
  • tartness of the compote: the fruit compote adds a refreshing note that balances the sweetness of the filling and the shortcrust pastry
  • complementary aromas: the grated lemon zest, added to the ricotta filling, adds a fresh and citrusy aroma that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients
• versatility
  • variety of compotes: ricotta crostata lends itself to endless variations, depending on the fruit compote used. Apricots, strawberries, berries, peaches, or any other seasonal fruit can be used
  • adaptability: the recipe can be easily adapted to personal tastes, by adding other ingredients to the filling, such as chocolate chips, raisins, or candied fruit
  • different occasions: this dessert is perfect for various occasions, from breakfast to an afternoon snack, to an after-dinner dessert
• tradition and simplicity
  • traditional dessert: ricotta crostata is a traditional Italian dessert, passed down from generation to generation
  • simple recipe: the recipe is relatively simple to prepare, using readily available ingredients.

In summary, ricotta crostata with compote is a dessert that works because it cleverly combines flavors, textures, and culinary traditions, creating a satisfying and versatile taste experience.

Enjoy your meal!