French cuisine is revered for its elegance, and one of its most versatile staples is the tart. From sweet fruit tarts to savory delights like quiche and tomato-mustard tarts, this dish has stood the test of time. A tart can be rustic or refined, hearty or delicate, depending on the filling, the pastry, and even the herbs sprinkled on top.
Advertisement
The foundation of any tart is the crust. In French cooking, pâte brisée (shortcrust pastry) and pâte feuilletée (puff pastry) are the most commonly used. While puff pastry delivers a flaky and buttery texture, shortcrust offers a more stable and crumbly base, perfect for savory fillings. Making your own pastry from scratch is worth the effort, but store-bought doughs are perfectly acceptable for busy cooks.
