Kohupiima Pirukas (Estonian Quark Tart)
A delightful and versatile tart featuring a creamy, slightly sweet filling made from kohupiim (Estonian quark or farmer's cheese), often enhanced with vanilla and lemon zest, encased in a buttery shortcrust pastry. It can be served as a dessert or a sweet treat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g All-purpose flour(for the crust)
- 125 g Unsalted butter(cold, cubed, for the crust)
- 50 g Granulated sugar(for the crust)
- 1 large Egg yolk(for the crust)
- 2-3 tbsp Ice water(for the crust)
- 500 g Kohupiim (quark or farmer's cheese)(drained if very wet)
- 100 g Granulated sugar(for the filling)
- 2 large Eggs(for the filling)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch or all-purpose flour(to thicken filling)
- 100 g Fresh berries (optional)(for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the crust: In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and butter until coarse crumbs form. Add egg yolk and ice water, pulsing until dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: Keep ingredients cold for a flaky crust. - 2
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 3
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough and line a 23cm (9-inch) tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and blind bake for 15 minutes with pie weights or dried beans.
- 4
Prepare the filling: In a bowl, whisk together kohupiim, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
- 5
Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Pour the kohupiim filling into the crust. If using berries, scatter them over the filling.
- 6
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden. The center should be just slightly jiggly.
- 7
Let the tart cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to fully set.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you can't find kohupiim, a good quality farmer's cheese or ricotta mixed with a little Greek yogurt can be a substitute.
- ✓Ensure the filling is smooth to avoid lumps.
- ✓Serve chilled or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
🔄 Variations
- Add a layer of thinly sliced apples or pears to the bottom of the tart before adding the filling.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of rum or brandy into the filling for an adult twist.
- Use a different fruit, such as cherries or apricots, instead of berries.