Fig Jam Crostata Recipe
Category: Desserts
Serves: 8
This delicious Fig Jam Crostata is a perfect dessert for any occasion, bringing together the sweetness of figs and the richness of buttery pastry. The delicate jam filling is made by simmering fresh figs with lemon and vanilla, creating a smooth and flavorful spread. This crostata combines both crispy and tender textures, making it irresistible. Follow these detailed instructions to create an authentic Italian pastry that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 125g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 250g |
| Egg yolks | 2 |
| Powdered sugar | 100g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Fresh figs | 600g |
| Granulated sugar | 300g |
| Lemons | ½ |
| Water | 20g |
| Vanilla bean | ½ |
| Whole egg | 1 |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Sugars | 32g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 4g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fig Jam Filling
To make the fig jam filling, start by peeling the fresh figs. Carefully remove the skin, using a vegetable peeler to make this process easier. Place the peeled figs into a large saucepan and add 20g of water. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, allowing the figs to break down.
While the figs are cooking, zest the lemon using a fine grater, making sure to keep the zest aside. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze out the juice, filtering it to remove any seeds. Once the figs start to soften and break down, add 300g of granulated sugar and the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pan. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
Add the zest of the lemon and the vanilla bean, splitting it in half and scraping out the seeds. Add the seeds and the bean to the fig mixture to enhance the flavor. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until it thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
Once the jam is ready, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool completely before using it as the filling for the crostata.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Dough
To create the pastry dough, begin by placing the flour on a clean, flat surface or into a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center of the flour mound, where you’ll add the softened butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, combine the butter with the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the powdered sugar and the lemon zest to the flour-butter mixture. Mix them together, creating a fine, sandy texture. Make a well in the center again and crack in the two egg yolks. Gently whisk the egg yolks before incorporating them into the flour mixture using a fork. Gradually bring the dough together with your hands, making sure not to overwork it. The dough should remain cool and smooth. If necessary, refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes to help it firm up.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough
Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Carefully lift the dough with your rolling pin and transfer it to a 22.5 cm round tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, ensuring that it fits snugly against the sides. Trim off any excess dough using a sharp knife, leaving a small border around the edges.
Collect any leftover dough scraps and gently knead them together to form a ball. Roll it out again to a similar thickness and use a fluted pastry wheel to cut the dough into strips about 2 cm wide. These strips will be used to create the lattice pattern on top of the crostata.
Step 4: Assemble the Crostata
Once the dough is prepared and fitted into the tart pan, it’s time to fill it. Spoon the cooled fig jam into the base of the crostata, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Arrange the dough strips in a crisscross lattice pattern over the jam, starting with horizontal strips, then adding the vertical strips to create diamond-shaped gaps.
Press the edges of the lattice strips lightly into the dough border around the crostata. Use a fork to prick the base of the tart shell to prevent any puffing up during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Crostata
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the crostata in the middle of the oven. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the jam is bubbling. Keep an eye on the crostata towards the end of the baking time to ensure the crust does not over-brown.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once baked, remove the crostata from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Before serving, you can dust the crostata with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Slice into wedges and serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
This Fig Jam Crostata is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of figs with a buttery, flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a family gathering, tea party, or any occasion that calls for a delicious homemade treat, it is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy!
