Tarte Tatin: The upside down apple pie that captivated the world of gourmet taste

This French dessert, which is literally an apple pie in a twist, has won the hearts of many gourmets around the world thanks to its simplicity yet exceptional taste. Let''s take a closer look at what tarte Tatin is, where it comes from and what its special features are.

How was tarte Tatin born?

The story of tarte Tatin dates back to the 19th century in the small French village of Lamotte-Beuvron, where sisters Stéphanie Tatin and Caroline Tatin ran the Hotel Tatin together. According to one version of the story, Sister Stéphanie accidentally forgot to turn on the oven while making an apple pie. To save the situation, she quickly covered the apple mixture with pastry and baked it, then turned it upside down to hide the mistake. When the guests tasted this strange new creation, they were delighted by the harmony of caramelised sugar and juicy apples.

Special features and preparation

Tarte Tatin is usually made with a simple dough of flour, butter, sugar and salt, which is placed on the bottom of a baking tray and covered with apple slices dipped in caramelised sugar and butter. It is then baked in the oven until golden brown, after which it is turned upside down to reveal a juicy, caramelised apple core. The key ingredient is just the right degree of caramelisation to create the rich flavour and consistency of the dessert.

You can play around with the ingredients and flavours when making this dessert. While the original version is made with apples, other fruits such as pears, peaches or even plums can be experimented with. In addition, spices such as cinnamon, ginger or vanilla can be added to further enrich the flavour. For those who like a slightly bolder taste, you can even add pieces of dark chocolate or nuts.

Tarte Tatin can also be made with plain or puff pastry, giving the dessert a variety of textures and flavour profiles. Puff pastry creates a crispier and airier texture, while plain pastry provides a richer and more compact flavour.

Tart Tatin recipe by Merdjadi

Karim Merdjadi, renowned chef, is best known among the general public for his appearance on MasterChef Slovenia, where he won the hearts of many viewers with his innovative recipes and passion for cooking. Among his many culinary achievements is his personalised recipe for Tatin tarts, which he has shared with his fans.

Merdjadi's recipe for tarte Tatin is simple, yet extremely tasty.

INGREDIENTS:

- 200 g flour

- 150 g butter (100 g for the dough and 50 g for the caramel)
- 150 g sugar (50 g for the shortcrust pastry and 100 g for the caramel)

- pinch of salt

- 4 large apples

PREPARATION:

STEP 1

Knead the flour, butter, sugar and a pinch of salt into a crumbly dough and leave to rest in the fridge for at least half an hour.

STEP 2

While the dough is resting, peel and slice the apples and caramelise them in a pan with the sugar and butter.

STEP 3

Once the apples are caramelised, transfer them to a baking tray and cover with the pastry.

STEP 4

Place the baking tray in the oven and bake at 180°C for about 30-40 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.

STEP 5

When the pie is baked, turn it upside down and serve while still warm.

Tarte Tatin: A culinary gem that spreads its influences

Tarte Tatin has become a true culinary icon, inspiring both professional chefs and home cooks around the world. Its simplicity and uniqueness make it the ideal choice for all occasions - from family dinners to evenings out with friends, or as the finishing touch to a perfect dinner party. This classic has also found its way into many cooking competitions such as MasterChef, where it has become a challenge for contestants to demonstrate their culinary skills.

Tarte Tatin is not just a dessert, it is a symbol of simple elegance and exceptional taste. Its story, which dates back to the 19th century French countryside, continues to inspire chefs around the world. With its flexible recipe and the possibility to experiment with ingredients, the tarte Tatin has become a popular choice for gourmets and chefs alike.

So why not try your hand at making this culinary masterpiece and indulge in the magic of tarte Tatin?