I was inspired to make a fig tart, using my favourite long rectangular tart pan, combining my homemade ricotta, figs and chocolate – how could the combination of all those wonderful ingredients ever disappoint?
You can use any good crust recipe for the tart. I like to utilize the whey left over from ricotta cheese making as the liquid component in the dough – it gives a wonderful texture to a very simple whole spelt dough. Roasted grapes are a fall indulgence and a great accompaniment to this tart.
Fig and Chocolate Ricotta Tart
for the crust
1 1/2 cups whole grain spelt flour (I used sprouted spelt flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whey – left over from ricotta making
to make the crust
1. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Add in the whey, mix and knead into a soft dough.
2. Lightly grease a tart pan with coconut oil and press the dough against the bottom and sides of the pan to create a crust of even thickness. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
for the filling
2 cups ricotta cheese (I make mine with raw goat milk)
1 vanilla bean – seeds scraped out, optional
2 tablespoons coconut sugar, plus more for sprinkling on top
about 4 tablespoons (half of a standard bar) grated dark chocolate, or more to taste
15 dried but moist figs – stems removed and halved
9 fresh ripe, sweet figs – stems removed and halved
to make the filling and bake the tart
1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
2. Combine the ricotta with vanilla seeds and coconut sugar in a medium sized bowl, set aside.
3. Remove the crust from the fridge and sprinkle about 1/2 of the chocolate over the bottom. Spoon 1/2 of the ricotta mixture over the chocolate, distribute evenly.
4. Press the dried figs, cut side up, into the ricotta layer, positioning them evenly over the surface of the tart. Follow with the rest of the ricotta, distributing it into an even layer. Press the fresh figs, cut side up into the ricotta, flattening the surface. Sprinkle with coconut sugar.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden and the figs are caramelized. Take out of the oven, sprinkle with the rest of chocolate and place back into the oven for a couple of minutes to let chocolate melt slightly.
6. Let cool, slice and serve with roasted grapes if desired.
Notes:
1. If using store bought ricotta, consider draining it over a sieve overnight in a fridge.
2. If you don’t have the left over whey, consider this simple recipe for a crust. Substitute spelt flour for all purpose if you wish.
Roasted Grapes
grapes
coconut oil or ghee
1. Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C).
2. Make sure that the grapes are dry after you wash them. Toss the grape clusters with oil or ghee to coat lightly.
3. Roast for 8-12 minutes until soft and skins began to split.
Dining and Cooking