Are you ready to elevate your dessert game with a dish that beautifully marries sweetness and savory? Introducing the Spiced Carrot Crostata with Basil—a delightful Italian treat that will have your taste buds dancing! This unique recipe transforms humble carrots into a stunning tart, infused with aromatic spices and the fresh essence of basil. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this crostata is not just a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors that you won’t want to miss. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to create a masterpiece that’s sure to steal the spotlight at your next gathering!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this mixture to the flour and butter mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too crumbly, add an additional tablespoon of cold water as needed.
- Once the dough is formed, shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to chill.
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of grated carrots, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. Mix well to ensure the spices and basil are evenly distributed throughout the carrots.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you roll out the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
- Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges of the tart pan. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Spread the carrot filling evenly over the bottom of the crust, ensuring it is well-distributed.
- Bake the crostata in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Once baked, remove the crostata from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your spiced carrot crostata with basil!
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step for the crust! It helps the butter solidify, leading to a flakier texture once baked.
- Grate Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh carrots and grate them yourself. Pre-packaged grated carrots can be drier and less flavorful.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg based on your personal preference. A little extra spice can elevate the flavor even more!
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t match. Make sure to chop it finely to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the filling.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your crostata a few minutes before the recommended baking time to ensure it doesn’t over-bake.
- Serve Warm or Room Temperature: This crostata is delicious both warm and at room temperature. It makes for a lovely dessert or a sweet addition to brunch!
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider adding a few fresh basil leaves on top before serving for an elegant touch that enhances both the look and flavor of your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
