Chocolate tart

Step 1

Make the crust: In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt and pulse to incorporate. Add the butter, a few cubes at a time, and pulse until broken down to pea-sized pieces.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, vanilla, and water. Slowly drizzle the egg yolk mixture into the food processor and pulse until the dough starts to come together but is not yet fully incorporated, 2–3 minutes.

Step 3

Turn the dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap, wrap tightly, and shape into a 1-inch-thick disc. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 2 days.

Step 4

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for easy rolling.

Step 5

Place the dough disc between 2 sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll out to an 11-inch circle about ⅛ inch thick, starting from the center and rolling away from you and rotating the dough 90° every few rolls to ensure even thickness. If the edges of the dough crack, use the rolling pin to bring them back together. If the dough softens too much, refrigerate for a few minutes to re-solidify.

Step 6

Carefully roll the dough onto the rolling pin, then unroll over a 9-inch tart pan and gently press against the bottom and sides. Roll the rolling pin over the pan to trim the edges of the crust flush with the pan. Patch any holes around the edges with the excess dough. Use a fork to prick holes all over the crust. Freeze for about 20 minutes, until the dough is firm.

Step 7

Arrange an oven rack in the center position. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 8

Crumple a sheet of parchment paper in your hands, then unwrap and press flush against the crust, covering the edges to prevent them from burning. Fill the center of the crust with pie weights and spread in an even layer to cover the entire surface.

Step 9

Bake the crust for 15 minutes, until partially baked and the parchment no longer sticks to the dough. Carefully remove the parchment and pie weights. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for another 15 minutes, until the bottom of the crust is starting to brown. Carefully transfer the tart pan to a wire rack and let cool for 30 minutes.

Step 10

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).

Step 11

Make the filling: Chop the chocolate.

Step 12

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and salt. Warm over medium-low heat until simmering gently around the edges of the pot, about 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, add the chopped chocolate, and stir to combine. Cover for 5 minutes, then uncover and whisk until chocolate is melted and smooth.

Step 13

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla. Slowly pour a bit of the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, to temper, then pour in the remaining chocolate mixture and whisk to combine.

Step 14

Strain the filling through a fine-mesh sieve into a spouted measuring cup, then pour into the cooled tart shell and spread evenly with an offset spatula.

Step 15

Bake the tart for 25–30 minutes, until the filling is set and the surface is glossy.

Step 16

Carefully remove the tart from the oven and transfer to the wire rack to cool for at least 45 minutes.

Step 17

Make the mirror glaze: In a small bowl, soak the gelatin sheets in the ice water to bloom, about 5 minutes.

Step 18

In a small pot, combine the sugar and room temperature water and bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and sift in the cocoa powder. Stir to combine.

Step 19

In another small pot, heat the cream over medium-low heat until starting to simmer. Slowly pour the hot cream into the cocoa mixture and gently whisk to combine. Be careful not to incorporate any air.

Step 20

Once the gelatin has softened, lift the sheets from the cold water and wring out any excess water. Add the gelatin sheets to the cocoa and cream mixture and stir until fully dissolved.

Step 21

Let the glaze cool until the temperature reaches between 90–110°F (32–43°C), or warm to the touch but no longer hot.

Step 22

Strain the glaze through a fine-mesh sieve into a spouted measuring cup. Pour the glaze over the tart, using an offset spatula to cover evenly. Refrigerate the tart for about 1 hour to allow the mirror glaze to set.

Step 23

Generously sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tart, then slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Step 24

Enjoy!

Step 25

RECIPE BY: Mimo Ahmed