Rick Stein’s fig & frangipane tarts

Rick Stein's Fig & Frangipane Tarts encapsulate the essence of French baking, blending the luscious sweetness of figs with the rich, nutty flavors of frangipane. This delightful recipe, originating from Rick Stein's culinary exploration in France, specifically from the charming southern town of Uzès, offers a perfect balance between the buttery shortcrust pastry and the almond-filled center, topped with quartered figs for a burst of fresh, fruity flavor.

Ingredients for Rick Stein’s Fig & Frangipane Tarts:

For the shortcrust pastry:

• 170g plain flour, plus extra for rolling
• 100g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• A pinch of salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1–2 tablespoons ice-cold water

For the filling:

• 100g butter, at room temperature
• 100g caster sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 100g ground almonds
• 9 figs, quartered
• 1 tablespoon flaked almonds

To serve:

• 1 teaspoon icing sugar
• 6 tablespoons crème fraiche

Preparation Instructions:

1. Start by making the pastry, combining flour, butter, and salt in a food processor until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add egg yolk mixed with cold water to form a smooth dough, rolling it out and lining tartlet tins.
2. Pre-bake the pastry cases with baking beans, then prepare the frangipane by mixing butter, sugar, eggs, almond extract, and ground almonds until smooth.
3. Fill the pastry cases with the frangipane, top with fig quarters and flaked almonds, and bake until golden. Serve the tarts dusted with icing sugar and a dollop of crème fraiche.

Storage and Reheating: These tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, gently reheat in the oven before serving to preserve the crispiness of the pastry.

Nutritional Information: Each serving of fig and frangipane tart is approximately 622 calories, with 41g of fat, 58g of carbohydrates (including 30g of sugar and 5g of fiber), and 10g of protein.

FAQ about Rick Stein’s Fig & Frangipane Tarts:

• Can I use store-bought pastry? Yes, for convenience, store-bought shortcrust pastry can be used as an alternative.
• Are there any substitutes for figs? While figs are preferred for their unique flavor, ripe pears or apples can be used as substitutes, adjusting baking times accordingly.

This recipe, originally from Rick Stein’s Secret France, showcases Stein's dedication to unearthing and sharing authentic and deeply flavorful French recipes. It's a testament to the rich culinary heritage of France and Stein's passion for bringing these flavors to home cooks​​​​.