Arbëreshë Apple Tart

Ingredients

The Arbëreshë Apple Tart takes inspiration from the French Tarte Normande but incorporates the unique flavors and ingredients of Arbëreshë cuisine. While the French version often includes Calvados (apple brandy) in the filling, the Arbëreshë version focuses on the natural sweetness of the apples, enhanced by a hint of cinnamon. Additionally, the Arbëreshë Apple Tart may feature a slightly different crust, reflecting the regional variations in pastry-making techniques. We alse have the original recipe for Tarte Normande, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the milk, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well coated.
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your tart pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and press it gently into the bottom and sides.
6. 6.
   Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern on top of the dough.
7. 7.
   Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
8. 8.
   Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture.
• Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky crust.
• Lemon juice — The lemon juice helps prevent the apple slices from browning and adds a subtle tang to the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or almonds over the apple filling before baking.
• Serve the tart warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• If you prefer a sweeter tart, you can increase the amount of sugar in the filling according to your taste.
• Make sure to let the tart cool slightly before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Serving advice

Serve the Arbëreshë Apple Tart as a delicious dessert after a hearty Arbëreshë meal. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the tart with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also garnish it with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant touch.