Medieval Lenten Tart

Medieval Lenten Tart Recipe from Europe | Ingredients: Salmon, Pears, Apples, Raisins, Prunes, Dates, and more

Region / culture: Medieval Europe | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Medieval Lenten Tart recipe is a unique and flavorful dish that combines haddock, fruits, and spices in a delicious pie crust. It is a perfect dish for Lent or any time you want to try something different and historical.

History

During medieval times, Lent was a time of fasting and abstaining from meat. Fish was a common substitute for meat during this period, and this recipe combines haddock with fruits and spices to create a savory and sweet dish that would have been enjoyed during Lent.

Ingredients

9 inches pie crust dough
1.5 lb (680 g) salmon, cod, haddock or mixture
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp butter
2 pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
2 apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 cup white wine
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp brown sugar
5 cubebs, thinly crushed
0.13 tsp ground cloves
0.13 tsp ground nutmeg
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 cup raisins
10 prunes, pitted and minced
6 dates, minced
6 dried figs, minced
3 tbsp red currant jelly or damson

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and bake the pie crust for 10 minutes.
Allow the pie crust to cool.
Cut the fish into 1.5" chunks, lightly sprinkle with salt, and drizzle with 2 tbsp of lemon juice. Set aside.
Melt the butter in a large, heavy skillet and toss the pear and apple slices in it until they are lightly coated.
In a separate bowl, combine the wine, lemon juice, brown sugar, spices, and dried fruits. Add this mixture to the skillet.
Cover the skillet and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the fruit is soft but still firm.
Check the flavoring and drain off any excess liquid.
Brush jelly onto the pre-baked pie crust.
Combine the fish chunks with the cooked fruit mixture and place it into the pie crust.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 15 – 25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and bake the pie crust for 10 minutes.

Variations

Substitute the haddock with another type of white fish.
Use different fruits such as apricots or prunes.
Add nuts for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pre-bake the pie crust before adding the fish and fruit mixture to ensure a crispy crust.

- Adjust the spices and fruits to your taste preferences.

- Make sure the fish is cooked through before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Medieval Lenten Tart with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the fruit mixture until it is soft but still firm.

- Bake the tart until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any white fish in place of haddock.

- Substitute the fruits with your favorites.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fruit mixture and pie crust ahead of time and assemble the tart just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the tart on a decorative platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Medieval Lenten Tart with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

Contains fish, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

This Medieval Lenten Tart is a balanced dish with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Medieval Lenten Tart is a delicious and historical dish that combines haddock, fruits, and spices in a savory pie crust. It is a perfect meal for Lent or any time you want to try something different and flavorful.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Medieval Lenten Tart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was known for her exceptional cooking skills, had invited me to help her in the kitchen one evening. As we worked together to prepare our meal, she began to tell me the story of how she had first learned to make this delicious dish.

She explained that the recipe for Medieval Lenten Tart had been passed down through our family for generations. It was said to have originated in the medieval times, when meat was forbidden to be eaten during Lent. People had to get creative with their ingredients, and thus this tart was born. Made with a combination of onions, cheese, and eggs, it was a simple yet satisfying dish that could be enjoyed by all.

My grandmother went on to tell me that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had in turn learned it from her mother before her. It had been a tradition in our family for centuries, and my grandmother was proud to continue it with me. She showed me how to carefully dice the onions, grate the cheese, and beat the eggs until they were light and fluffy. We then mixed everything together and poured it into a pastry crust, which we baked until it was golden brown and crispy.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, my grandmother told me more about the history of the recipe. She explained that in medieval times, Lent was a time of fasting and abstinence, when people were not allowed to eat meat or other rich foods. Instead, they had to rely on simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, and vegetables to sustain them through the long weeks of fasting. This tart was a way to make do with what they had, while still enjoying a delicious and filling meal.

I was fascinated by the story behind the recipe, and I could see the pride in my grandmother's eyes as she talked about our family's culinary heritage. From that day on, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. I made a vow to learn it by heart and pass it down to future generations, just as my grandmother had done for me.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe for Medieval Lenten Tart, adding my own twist here and there to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its savory flavor and comforting warmth. It has become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the bond I share with my grandmother and the traditions that have been passed down through our family for centuries.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that day in the kitchen with my grandmother so many years ago, I am filled with gratitude for the memories we shared and the lessons she taught me. I am proud to carry on the tradition of making Medieval Lenten Tart, knowing that with each bite, I am connecting with my family's past and honoring the legacy of those who came before me. And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that my grandmother is with me in spirit, guiding my hands and watching over me with love and pride.