Chinese-style Tarte Tatin

Ingredients

While the original French Tarte Tatin features traditional ingredients like butter and sugar, this Chinese adaptation incorporates elements of Chinese cuisine. We infuse the caramel with hints of ginger and star anise, adding a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish. Additionally, we use Chinese five-spice powder to enhance the flavor of the apples, giving them a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Tarte Tatin, so you can check it out.

• 6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and halved (750g) 6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and halved (750g)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15g) 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15g)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (5g) 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (5g)
• 2 whole star anise 2 whole star anise
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 52g (Sugar: 38g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a 9-inch oven-safe skillet, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. 3.
   Add the butter, grated ginger, and star anise to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the caramel.
4. 4.
   Arrange the apple halves, cut side down, in the skillet, fitting them tightly together.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the Chinese five-spice powder evenly over the apples.
6. 6.
   Cook the apples over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel turns golden brown and the apples soften slightly.
7. 7.
   Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully place the puff pastry sheet over the apples, tucking the edges down the sides.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
10. 10.
    Place a serving plate over the skillet and carefully invert the tart onto the plate.
11. 11.
    Serve the Chinese-style Tarte Tatin warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm apples such as Granny Smith or Pink Lady for this recipe to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy, make sure the caramel is thick and syrupy before adding the apples.
• Serve the Chinese-style Tarte Tatin warm for the best texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of grated ginger or add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the caramel.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-style Tarte Tatin warm, either as a standalone dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm tart and the cold ice cream or cream is delightful.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the top of the tart before serving. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.