Pear and Hazelnut Tarte Tatin

The best thing about a tarte tatin is that it combines several different taste sensations in one dessert. The crispy puff pastry, carefully rolled out by hand, the sweet pears that soften during cooking and give the tart an almost nostalgically comforting flavour, the crunch of the hazelnuts, and the sweet caramel that brings everything together.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

Step 2

2. Toast the hazelnuts. Place the hazelnuts in a hot, dry frying pan and toast for approximately 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

3. Prepare the pears and caramel. Peel, core, and halve the pears. Melt the sugar and butter together in an ovenproof frying pan until caramelised. Add the pears and toasted hazelnuts. Allow the pears to simmer in the caramel for approximately 3 minutes on each side. Arrange all the pear halves cut-side down in the pan.

Step 4

4. Add the pastry and bake. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it slightly larger than the frying pan. Lay the pastry over the pears, tucking the edges down around the fruit so everything is enclosed beneath the pastry. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Step 5

5. Turn out and serve. Use a spatula and knife to gently loosen the tart from the sides of the frying pan. Place a serving plate over the pan and carefully invert it to release the tart. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.