San Biagio Tart (Torta di San Biagio)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 400g |
| Butter (cold) | 80g |
| Sugar | 80g |
| Vanilla bean | 1 |
| Dry white wine | 120ml |
| Almonds | 300g |
| Sugar (for filling) | 100g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Dark chocolate | 100g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Egg (for glazing) | 1 |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Shortcrust Pastry
To start off, make the shortcrust pastry for the San Biagio Tart. Begin by placing the cold butter and flour into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, ensuring the butter is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 2: Forming the Dough
Transfer the mixture to a clean surface and create a well in the center. Gradually pour in the white wine while mixing the ingredients with your hands. Add the seeds from the vanilla bean and continue to knead the dough until it comes together into a smooth, firm ball.
Step 3: Preparing the Filling
In a separate bowl, break the dark chocolate into small pieces. Add the almonds and 100g of sugar to the bowl. Grate the zest of one lemon and add it to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Rolling the Pastry
Roll out the pastry dough using a rolling pin on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about ½ cm. Gently transfer the rolled dough into a tart pan, pressing it into the base and sides of the pan. Trim off any excess dough, then use a spoon to gently press and level the dough along the edges.
Step 5: Assembling the Tart
Gather the leftover dough scraps and re-roll them. Using a pastry cutter or a crimped wheel, cut the dough into strips. Arrange these strips diagonally over the top of the tart to form a crisscross pattern, creating diamond shapes.
Step 6: Glazing the Tart
Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the surface of the tart to give it a glossy, golden finish once baked.
Step 7: Baking the Tart
Preheat the oven to 160°C (static) or 140°C (fan). Place the tart into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes (or 35 minutes in a fan-assisted oven). The tart is ready when the surface turns a golden brown and the pastry is fully cooked.
Step 8: Serving
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool before serving. Your San Biagio Tart is now ready to be enjoyed! The combination of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey flavors makes it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Enjoy your homemade Torta di San Biagio, a delightful traditional Italian dessert perfect for sharing with family and friends!
