📝 About This Recipe
This stunning tart celebrates the deep, nutty complexity of whole-grain rye flour, a staple of Northern European baking. The earthy, slightly spicy notes of the rye crust provide the perfect structural counterpoint to the honey-glazed, tart Granny Smith apples nestled within. Finished with a touch of flaky sea salt and aromatic thyme, this dish transforms humble cereal grains into a sophisticated, rustic masterpiece.
🥗 Ingredients
The Rye Pastry
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Grain Rye Flour (finely ground)
- 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 4-6 tablespoons Ice Water (as needed)
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (helps with crust tenderness)
The Apple Filling
- 3-4 large Granny Smith Apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cardamom (for a Nordic floral note)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
Finishing Touches
- 1 large Egg (beaten with 1 tsp water for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Turbinado Sugar (for crunch on the crust)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (warmed, for glazing)
- 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme (leaves only)
- 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt (Maldon preferred)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rye flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
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2
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized lumps remaining.
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3
Mix the apple cider vinegar into the ice water. Drizzle 4 tablespoons of the liquid over the flour mixture and toss gently with a fork. Continue adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough just starts to hold together when squeezed.
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4
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently press into a flat disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the rye flour to hydrate.
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5
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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6
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom until evenly coated.
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7
On a floured surface, roll the chilled rye dough into a 12-inch circle. The edges don't need to be perfect—embrace the rustic look! Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
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8
Arrange the apple slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. You can fan them in concentric circles or pile them loosely for a more casual aesthetic.
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9
Gently fold the edges of the dough over the apples, pleating it as you go. The center of the tart should remain open.
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10
Brush the exposed rye crust with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar.
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11
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the rye crust is deeply browned and fragrant, and the apples are tender and bubbling.
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12
Remove from the oven. While still warm, brush the apples with the warmed honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
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13
Allow the tart to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before slicing to let the juices set.
💡 Chef's Tips
Rye dough is more fragile and less elastic than wheat dough; if it cracks while rolling, simply pinch it back together with damp fingers. Ensure your butter is ice-cold; this creates the steam pockets necessary for a flaky, rather than dense, rye crust. For the best flavor, use a mix of apple varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith to balance sweetness and acidity. Don't skip the chilling time; rye flour takes longer to absorb moisture, and skipping this step will result in a crumbly, difficult-to-handle dough.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a dollop of crème fraîche or lightly sweetened sour cream to complement the earthy rye. Pair with a glass of dry hard cider or a crisp Riesling. A side of sharp white cheddar cheese offers a classic savory-sweet pairing common in heritage cooking. Drizzle with a little extra buckwheat honey for a deeper, more intense floral finish.