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.

Kuzu Tarts
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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Once the kuzu filling has cooled, pour it into the baked tart shells, smoothing the surface.
  8. 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