Grenadian Spice Fruit Tart

Ingredients

The Grenadian Spice Fruit Tart takes inspiration from the Dutch vlaai but incorporates the unique flavors and ingredients of Grenadian cuisine. While the original vlaai typically features a fruit filling, the Grenadian version adds a Caribbean twist with the inclusion of tropical fruits like mangoes, bananas, and passion fruit. Additionally, the use of spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon adds a distinct Grenadian flavor profile to the tart. We alse have the original recipe for Vlaai, so you can check it out.

• For the crust: For the crust:
• 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
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons ice water 2 tablespoons ice water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 passion fruit, pulp scooped out 1 passion fruit, pulp scooped out
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Fresh fruit slices (mangoes, bananas, passion fruit) Fresh fruit slices (mangoes, bananas, passion fruit)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 11g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and ice water. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix until the dough comes together.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling by combining the diced mangoes, sliced bananas, passion fruit pulp, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix well until the fruits are coated evenly.
6. 6.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess.
7. 7.
   Pour the fruit filling into the tart crust and spread it evenly.
8. 8.
   Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. 9.
   Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely.
10. 10.
    Garnish the tart with fresh fruit slices before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mangoes — Choose ripe mangoes for the best flavor and texture. They should be slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma.
• Passion fruit — Look for passion fruits that have wrinkled skin, as they indicate ripeness. The pulp should be jelly-like and have a tangy-sweet taste.
• Nutmeg — Grate fresh nutmeg for the most intense flavor. It adds a warm and aromatic note to the tart.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Grenadian flavor, sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves over the fruit filling before baking.
• Serve the tart warm with a scoop of coconut ice cream for a tropical twist.
• If you prefer a sweeter tart, you can increase the amount of sugar in the filling according to your taste.
• Experiment with different tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya to create your own unique variation of the Grenadian Spice Fruit Tart.
• To achieve a perfectly flaky crust, make sure the butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible.

Serving advice

Serve the Grenadian Spice Fruit Tart at room temperature or slightly warm. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of coconut ice cream for added indulgence.

Presentation advice

Present the Grenadian Spice Fruit Tart on a decorative platter or cake stand. Garnish it with fresh mint leaves and additional fruit slices to enhance its visual appeal.