Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart is exactly what you need! Picture this: a buttery, flaky tart crust filled with creamy whipped ricotta, topped with sweet, roasted heirloom carrots that pop with color. It’s a showstopper at any gathering, and the best part? It’s a breeze to make. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this tart will not disappoint. Trust me, it’s a dish that tastes as amazing as it looks!

Why You’ll Love Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart

This tart is an absolute winner for several reasons:

Elegant & Impressive

This tart is a head-turner! The vibrant colors of the heirloom carrots arranged on top of the smooth whipped ricotta make it a stunning dish that’s sure to impress your guests. It looks like something you’d find at a fancy bakery, but you’ll be the one making it!

Perfect Balance of Flavors

The richness of the creamy whipped ricotta filling balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of the heirloom carrots. A little garlic and lemon zest in the ricotta elevate the flavors, giving each bite a complex, savory note.

Versatile & Customizable

Whether you’re serving it as a starter, side dish, or light main course, this tart fits the bill for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to tweak! Want to add a bit of spice? Top it with a sprinkle of chili flakes. Prefer a milder flavor? Keep it simple with the carrots and ricotta.

Quick & Easy to Make

While this tart may look like a gourmet masterpiece, it’s actually quite simple to put together. The buttery tart crust, creamy filling, and caramelized carrots come together with ease, and you’ll have everything ready to go in no time!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this showstopper of a tart:

For the Tart Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of a crisp, flaky crust.
• Butter: Cold, unsalted butter for that perfect texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the flavors.
• Ice Water: Helps bring the dough together without making it too wet.

For the Whipped Ricotta Filling:

• Ricotta Cheese: This will be the base for the creamy filling.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra richness and smoothness.
• Garlic Powder: A subtle touch of garlic enhances the filling’s flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, fresh note to balance the richness.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional, but herbs like thyme or basil add depth and freshness.

For the Carrot Topping:

• Heirloom Carrots: The star of the dish—these sweet, colorful carrots are perfect for roasting.
• Olive Oil: For roasting the carrots to caramelized perfection.
• Honey: A touch of honey brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots.
• Fresh Herbs: A few sprigs of thyme or parsley will garnish the top beautifully.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this incredible tart:

Step 1: Make the Tart Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Add the cold butter in small cubes, then use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. After chilling, roll the dough out to fit a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess dough. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Line the tart crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp. Let it cool completely before filling.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Ricotta Filling

While the crust is cooling, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 4: Roast the Carrots

Peel the heirloom carrots and cut them into thin slices or ribbons. Toss the carrots in olive oil and honey, and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. Let them cool for a few minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Tart

Once the crust has cooled, spread the whipped ricotta filling evenly across the base. Arrange the roasted heirloom carrots on top, layering them in a decorative pattern. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the tart into wedges and serve at room temperature or chilled. This tart is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal. It’s a showstopper that’s sure to wow anyone who tries it!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 6g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart

This tart pairs wonderfully with many sides and beverages. Here are some ideas to make your meal complete:

With a Green Salad

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the tart and add a refreshing contrast.

With Roasted Vegetables

Serve with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or roasted beets for a hearty, colorful side dish.

With Wine

Pair the tart with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. A light rosé also makes a great choice!

As a Light Lunch or Dinner

This tart is a delicious light meal. Serve with a cup of soup or on its own with a glass of wine for an elegant meal.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can make the tart crust and whipped ricotta a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
• Use Any Carrots: While heirloom carrots are stunning, regular carrots work just as well. You can also use baby carrots or even other roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes.
• Try Different Herbs: You can customize the flavor of the ricotta filling by experimenting with different fresh herbs such as rosemary, basil, or tarragon.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts sprinkled on top of the tart add a delightful crunch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the crust ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make the tart crust a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just blind bake it and let it cool before filling it.

Q2: Can I use regular carrots instead of heirloom?
A2: Absolutely! Heirloom carrots add color, but regular carrots will work just fine for this tart.

Q3: Can I make this tart gluten-free?
A3: Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

Q4: Can I freeze this tart?
A4: You can freeze the tart before adding the whipped ricotta filling and roasted carrots. After freezing, thaw it in the refrigerator and then assemble the filling and toppings when ready to serve.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tart is best served at room temperature or chilled.

Q6: Can I use cream cheese instead of ricotta?
A6: While cream cheese can be used, ricotta gives the tart a lighter, fluffier texture. You can also mix both for a more decadent filling.

Q7: Can I make the whipped ricotta ahead of time?
A7: Yes, you can prepare the whipped ricotta in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the tart.

Q8: Can I add a sweet touch to the ricotta filling?
A8: You can! Adding a little honey or maple syrup to the ricotta will give it a sweeter flavor if you prefer.

Q9: Can I use store-bought crust?
A9: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can substitute the homemade crust with a store-bought tart crust.

Q10: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A10: Definitely! Just use a larger tart pan, and keep an eye on the baking times to ensure it cooks evenly.

Conclusion

The Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart is a stunning and flavorful dish that will leave everyone at the table impressed. With a flaky crust, creamy ricotta filling, and colorful roasted carrots, it’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course, this tart is a showstopper that will shine at any meal. Enjoy every bite of this delicious creation!

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