The Florentine Chocolate Tart with Coffee is a luxurious dessert hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This decadent tart blends the rich flavors of dark chocolate and bold coffee, topped with a delightful Florentine crunch. Ideal for special occasions or a sophisticated treat, it combines a buttery tart crust, a velvety coffee-chocolate filling, and a crunchy almond topping for a truly indulgent experience.
This dessert reflects the Congolese love for rich, layered flavors and sophisticated ingredients. The Florentine topping, with its origins in Italian cuisine, adds a unique touch to the traditional chocolate tart, showcasing the global influences in Congolese gastronomy. The combination of chocolate and coffee is not only a nod to international flavor profiles but also a celebration of the DRC's appreciation for complex and refined tastes.
Ingredients:
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tbsp cold water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup finely ground coffee beans
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Florentine Topping:
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. For the tart crust, mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in egg yolk and cold water to form a dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the dough and press it into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim excess dough. Line with parchment paper and pie weights. Blind bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. For the filling, heat cream, milk, and coffee beans until simmering. Steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain into a bowl with chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth.
5. Whisk eggs, sugar, and salt in a separate bowl. Combine with chocolate mixture. Pour into the baked crust and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until set.
6. For the Florentine topping, cook almonds, sugar, butter, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and bubbly. Spread over the tart and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Storage:
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Value:
1. All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 600
- Carbohydrates: 126 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (thiamine, niacin, riboflavin)
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides carbohydrates for energy and essential B vitamins for metabolism.
2. Unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
- Calories: 810
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 92 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 245 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin D
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness and flavor; provides vitamin A for vision and immune function.
3. Sugar (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides quick energy; used mainly for sweetness.
4. Salt (1/4 tsp)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor; sodium is essential for fluid balance and nerve function.
5. Egg yolk (1 large)
- Calories: 55
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
- Protein: 2.7 g
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Sodium: 8 mg
- Cholesterol: 184 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, K
- Minerals: Calcium, iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein, healthy fats, and important vitamins for overall health.
6. Cold water (2 tbsp)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Used to bind ingredients; no nutritional contribution.
7. Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Calories: 820
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 88 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Cholesterol: 330 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin D
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness and creaminess; provides calcium and vitamin A.
8. Whole milk (1/2 cup)
- Calories: 75
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamins A and D
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein, calcium, and vitamins for bone health.
9. Finely ground coffee beans (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and antioxidants; minimal calories and nutrients.
10. Dark chocolate (8 oz)
- Calories: 960
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 72 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamins A, C, and B
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, copper
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and minerals; supports heart health and mood.
11. Eggs (2 large)
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Cholesterol: 370 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, K, and B vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: High-quality protein; provides essential vitamins and minerals.
12. Sugar (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy; used primarily for sweetness.
13. Sliced almonds (1/2 cup)
- Calories: 260
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E
- Minerals: Magnesium, calcium, iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Good source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.
14. Unsalted butter (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 400
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 44 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 122 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin D
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and texture; provides vitamins A and D.
15. Honey (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 256
- Carbohydrates: 69 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Natural sweetener with trace vitamins and minerals; provides energy.
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