Kuzu Tarts
Kuzu Tarts are delicate Japanese desserts featuring a smooth kuzu (arrowroot) filling encased in a crisp tart shell, offering a delightful blend of textures. This vegetarian treat is subtly sweet and enhanced with matcha, making it a perfect end to any meal.

45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Japanese
230 kcal
Ingredients
- Kuzu starch - 30 grams
- Water - 200 ml
- Sugar - 20 grams
- Matcha powder - 5 grams
- Salt - a pinch
- All-purpose flour - 100 grams
- Unsalted butter - 50 grams (cold)
- Powdered sugar - 20 grams
- Ice water - 2 tablespoons
Steps
- In a small saucepan, combine 200 ml of water, 20 grams of sugar, a pinch of salt, and 5 grams of matcha powder. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Once dissolved, gradually add 30 grams of kuzu starch while continuously stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- For the tart shell, mix 100 grams of all-purpose flour and 20 grams of powdered sugar in a bowl. Cut in 50 grams of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add 2 tablespoons of ice water gradually, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit two small tart pans. Press the dough into the pans and trim any excess.
- Prick the bottom of the tart shells with a fork, then bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Once the kuzu filling has cooled, pour it into the baked tart shells, smoothing the surface.
- Let the tarts cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbs: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Total Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Water: 0.1 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants from matcha, which may help reduce inflammation.
- Contains kuzu starch, known for its digestive benefits and ability to soothe the stomach.
Tags
JapaneseVegetarianDessert