Cinnamon brûlée tarts with chocolate pastry

Description

Method

1. Step 1

   To make the chocolate shortcrust pastry, place the flour, icing sugar, cocoa and butter in a food processor and process until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and water and pulse until the mixture just comes together.

2. Step 2

   Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until just smooth. Shape into a disc. Cover the dough with baking paper or plastic wrap. Place in the fridge for 30 mins to rest.

3. Step 3

   Meanwhile, combine the cream, vanilla and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then set aside for 15 mins to develop the flavours. Place the egg, egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine, gradually adding the cream mixture in a thin, steady stream. Set aside to cool.

4. Step 4

   Preheat oven to 200°C. Divide the pastry into 6 even portions. Roll out 1 portion to a 3mm-thick disc. Line a 3cm-deep, 8cm (base measurement) fluted tart tin with removable base with pastry. Use a small sharp knife to trim the edge. Repeat with remaining pastry. Place in the fridge for 15 mins to rest.

5. Step 5

   While the pastry is resting, line a large baking tray with baking paper. Arrange rhubarb over the tray. Drizzle with orange juice. Sprinkle with orange zest and half the extra sugar. Bake for 10 mins or until rhubarb is just tender. Set aside to cool completely.

6. Step 6

   Line the pastry cases with baking paper and fill with pastry weights or rice. Place on a baking tray. Bake for 10 mins. Remove the paper and weights or rice and bake for a further 8-10 mins or until the pastry is dry to the touch. Remove from oven. Reduce oven to 150°C.

7. Step 7

   Strain the custard mixture through a fine sieve into a large jug. Discard the solids. Pour the mixture evenly among the pastry cases. Bake for 30 mins or until the filling is just set (the centre should wobble slightly). Set aside for 10 mins to cool. Place in the fridge for 2 hours to chill completely.

8. Step 8

   Sprinkle the remaining sugar evenly over the tarts. Use a kitchen blowtorch to toast until the sugar dissolves and caramelises. (Alternatively, preheat grill on high. Place the tarts in the tins on a rimmed baking tray. Arrange ice cubes around the tarts. Cook under grill for 2-3 mins or until sugar caramelises.)

9. Step 9

   Transfer tarts to a serving platter. Top with rhubarb mixture and sprinkle with pistachio to serve.
   
   Tear-free tarts: If the pastry rips when lining the tart tins, wet your finger or use a brush to moisten the edges of the tear, then gently push the edges back together to close and seal the gap.