Roasted Strawberry Hibiscus Crostata is a beloved Italian-inspired dessert that has been a staple on the menu at Coltivare for 11 years, even gracing the tables at executive chef Ryan Pera’s wedding. This dessert is a masterful combination of fresh strawberries and hibiscus flavors, making it a perfect treat for warm weather. The Italian term “crostata” refers to a tart, and when made with peak-season California strawberries like Seascape or Gaviota, it’s a true delight. To elevate the experience, I recommend pairing it with a glass of Prosecco wine.
Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Filling
To create the perfect strawberry filling, you’ll need 10-12 oz of fresh strawberries, quartered, and mixed with ¼ cup sugar, 1 ¾ TBSP Ramazzotti Amaro, ½ TBSP orange zest, and ½ TBSP lemon juice. Adding ½ oz dried hibiscus leaves tied with twine, ¼ tsp scraped vanilla bean, ¼ tsp balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt will give your filling a depth of flavor. To thicken the mixture, you’ll need to prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 oz cornstarch with 1 oz cold water. If you’re looking for other strawberry dessert ideas, you might enjoy my classic strawberry pie recipe.
The Art of Making Crostata Dough
The ideal crostata dough is made with 9 oz all-purpose flour, 6 oz frozen butter, 3 oz water, and salt to taste. To achieve the right consistency, it’s essential to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. For a quicker preparation, you can use pasta frolla, an Italian shortcrust pastry, made in a food processor. When making the dough, I like to think about other creative ways to use strawberries, like in a strawberry ice cream recipe.
Assembling and Baking the Crostata
Once you have your strawberry filling and crostata dough ready, it’s time to assemble the tart. To do this, you’ll need to roll out the dough, fill it with the strawberry mixture, and fold the edges to create a crust. Baking the crostata requires a bit of patience, but the end result is well worth it. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your baking, consider visiting our business directory to discover local dessert shops.
Tips and Variations
To take your Roasted Strawberry Hibiscus Crostata to the next level, consider experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. For example, you could try adding a hint of citrus or using different types of sugar. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might enjoy trying out a strawberry shortcake churro recipe or submitting your own dessert recipe to be featured on our site through our recipe submission page. You can also explore other strawberry dessert ideas, like a southern strawberry cobbler or strawberry chocolate yogurt bark.
