A golden tart base holding a creamy, caramel-colored custard speckled with finely chopped, caramelized leeks. On top, arranged in a star formation, are five wedges of glassy, cardamom-infused pears glistening under a thin glaze. Garnished with tiny sprigs of mint.

Cardamom Pears & Caramelized Leek Custard Tart

Name: Cardamom Pears & Caramelized Leek Custard Tart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: large leek, 1 finely chopped and lightly sauté till golden; whole milk, 1.5 cups; egg, 1; egg yolks, 3; granulated sugar, 1/2 cup; cornstarch, 3 tablespoons; pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon; medium pears, 5 peeled, cored, and sliced into wedges; cardamom pods, 6 slightly crushed; honey, 1/2 cup; pre-baked tart shell, 1; fresh mint leaves, Garnish; olive oil, 1 tablespoon; Salt, A pinch; Pepper, A pinch

Category Dessert

Prep 30 minutes

Cook 35 minutes

Style Mediterranean

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: September 27, 2023

In a delightful twist on a classic dessert, this innovative recipe combines the sweetness of pears, the aromatic allure of cardamom, and the unexpected, earthy flavor of leeks. Rooted in Mediterranean traditions, this dish will adding a touch of sophistication to your dinner table.

Ingredients (for 4)

Large leek - 1 - finely chopped and lightly sauté till golden
Whole milk - 1.5 cups
Egg - 1
Egg yolks - 3
Granulated sugar - 1/2 cup
Cornstarch - 3 tablespoons
Pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
Medium pears - 5 - peeled, cored, and sliced into wedges
Cardamom pods - 6 - slightly crushed
Honey - 1/2 cup
Pre-baked tart shell - 1
Fresh mint leaves - Garnish
Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Salt - A pinch
Pepper - A pinch

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔥⏲️🚀

Pre-heat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2 - 🥚🥣🍚

Whisk together egg, egg yolks, sugar, and corn starch in a medium bowl.
Step 3 - 🥛🍳🔥

Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while continuously whisking.
Step 4 - 🍲🔥🥄

Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan, add vanilla extract, caramelized leeks, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to cook on medium heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens.
Step 5 - 🥧⏲️🔥

Pour the custard onto the pre-baked tart shell. Bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly set.
Step 6 - 🍐🥘🍯

While the custard tart is baking, prepare your cardamom pears. In a large pan, combine pears, cardamom, honey and 2 cups of water. Simmer until the pears are tender and glazed.
Step 7 - 🍐⭐🥧

Arrange the pear wedges on top of the lightly set custard in a star formation and continue to bake for another 10 minutes.
Step 8 - 🍃🔪🍽️

Allow the tart to cool before garnishing with fresh mint leaves. Slice and serve!

Additional

The unique pairing of leeks and sweet pears, brought together by the cumbersome custard, gives this dessert an elevated culinary touch. If mint isn't your preference, fresh basil or even rosemary can provide an appealing alternative garnish. Kids can easily participate by arranging the pears on the custard. Lastly, remember to enjoy a slice while it's still a bit warm - it's a true comfort during these cool days.