Lemon tart

Lemon tart is a dessert dish, a variety of tart. It has a pastry shell with a lemon flavored filling.

Ingredients

In its basic form, a lemon tart consists of a pastry crust, filled with lemon curd. The curd is a mixture of lemon, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Some variations may include additional ingredients such as cream or lime.

Preparation

The preparation of a lemon tart begins with the pastry crust. This is typically made from flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes eggs. The dough is rolled out and used to line a tart tin. It is then 'blind baked' - baked without the filling - to prevent it from becoming soggy when the lemon curd is added.

The lemon curd is prepared by whisking together lemon juice, sugar, egg yolks, and butter over a low heat until it thickens. This mixture is then poured into the pre-baked pastry shell and the tart is baked until the filling is set.

Variations

There are many variations of the lemon tart. In France, the 'Tarte au citron' is a popular variation that often includes a layer of meringue on top. In the UK, a similar dish is known as a 'Lemon meringue pie'. Other variations may include different types of citrus fruits, or additional ingredients such as cream or berries.

History

The exact origins of the lemon tart are unclear, but it is thought to have been developed in the Middle Ages, when lemons were first introduced to Europe. The dish has since become popular worldwide, with many countries developing their own variations.

See also

• Tarte au citron
• Lemon meringue pie
• List of lemon dishes and beverages
• List of pies, tarts and flans