Ricotta and chocolate chip tart in buttery pastry is a Roman bakery classic. This beloved mediterranean dessert is a family tradition for Sunday mornings.
Prepare the pastry: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and cold unsalted butter. Mix using your fingers or a pastry cutter until pea-sized crumbs form.
Add 1 egg and 2 tbsp sugar to the crumb mixture, then knead just until dough forms. Do not overwork—the dough should remain tender. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make the ricotta filling: In a separate bowl, blend ricotta, remaining egg, 2 tbsp sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Gently fold in chocolate chips.
Roll out the chilled pastry to about 1/4-inch thick. Line a 9-inch tart pan, trimming edges. Save scraps to create lattice strips for the topping.
Pour ricotta filling into the pastry shell, smooth carefully. Arrange lattice strips over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes until the crust is golden and filling set. Cool completely before slicing.