Go Back

Pear-Walnut Crostata

Makes 1 (10-inch) tart

Ingredients
  

Dough:

  • cups (188 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ½ cup (48 grams) finely ground walnuts
  • ¾ teaspoon (2.25 grams) kosher salt
  • ½ cup (113 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup (60 grams) ice water

Filling:

  • 2 ounces (57 grams) cubed pancetta
  • 1 small yellow onion (175 grams), sliced ⅛ inch thick
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon finely ground black pepper
  • 2 medium fresh Bosc pears (350 grams), halved, cored, and sliced ⅛ inch thick
  • cups (360 grams) plus 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water, divided
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 large egg (50 grams), room temperature
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) soft blue cheese*
  • Fresh arugula, toasted walnuts, and balsamic glaze, to serve

Instructions

  • For dough: In the work bowl of a food processor, pulse flour, ground walnuts, and salt until combined. Add cold butter, and pulse until mixture is crumbly and butter pieces are pea-size. With processor running, add ¼ cup (60 grams) ice water in a slow, steady stream just until dough comes together.
  • Turn out dough, and press into a flat disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
  • For filling: In a small nonstick saucepan, cook pancetta over low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove using a slotted spoon, and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving drippings in pan.
  • Heat drippings over medium heat, and add onion. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool completely.
  • In a medium bowl, combine pear slices, 1½ cups (360 grams) water, and lemon juice. Let stand for 5 minutes. Remove pear slices, discarding lemon water, and pat dry with a clean towel.
  • Position oven rack in bottom third of oven. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 14-inch circle (about ¼ inch thick). Transfer to prepared pan. Arrange onion on dough as desired, leaving a 4-inch border around edges. Top onion with pancetta and pears as desired. Fold excess dough over filling, pleating as needed.
  • In another small bowl, whisk together egg and remaining 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush egg wash onto crust.
  • Bake until crust is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Immediately top with cheese. Let cool on pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter; top with with arugula, toasted walnuts, and balsamic glaze. Serve warm.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!