For the filling: In the top of a double boiler, whisk together the butter, sugar, eggs, and passion fruit juice until the mixture is thick and will hold a line, about 12 minutes. Transfer the double boiler insert to a larger bowl filled with ice and cold water, and stir occasionally until cool. The mixture will be quite thick. For the crust: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, the salt, lard, and butter and rub together with the tips of your fingertips until the mixture resembles small peas. Add the remaining 1/4 cup flour and bring together into a rough mass. Add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time and press into the mixture with a fork or your fingertips just until the mixture adheres into a dough. You may not need all the ice water. Press the dough into a ball and refrigerate for 2 hours. To assemble the tarts: Roll the dough out to 1/8inch thick and, using a small plate or a cardboard template, cut the dough into six 4 1/2inch diameter rounds. Transfer the rounds to 2 baking sheets, prick all over with a fork, and freeze for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Bake the tart bases for 12 to 15 minutes, until slightly golden. Using a large heavy spatula, transfer them to a rack (they crumble easily) and, when cool, spread with a nice thick layer of the passion fruit curd almost out to the edges of the pastry. Scatter the pistachio nuts around the very edges of the tarts and serve.
Yield: 6 servings |
