The Process for the Crostata

1. Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

   Place the flour, cornmeal, cold cubed margarine, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Step 2: Bring the Dough Together

   If the mixture seems too dry to hold together, add 1 tablespoon of water and pulse briefly. Add a second tablespoon only if necessary. The dough should remain crumbly rather than forming a smooth ball in the food processor.

3. Step 3: Knead the Dough

   Transfer the mixture to a clean work surface and gently knead it by hand until it comes together into a dough ball. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the pastry tender and delicate.

4. Step 4: Chill the Dough

   Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the pastry firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

5. Step 5: Prepare the Plum Filling

   While the dough is chilling, prepare the fresh plum filling so everything is ready for assembling your crostata.

The Process for the Plum Filling

1. Step 1: Prepare the Plums

   Wash the fresh plums, remove the pits, and cut them into quarters. Choose ripe, juicy plums for the perfect balance of natural sweetness and gentle tartness.

2. Step 2:Add the Filling Ingredients

   Place the quartered plums in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground walnuts, and a pinch of salt.

3. Step 3:Combine the Filling

   Gently toss everything together until the plums are evenly coated with the sugar, spices, and walnuts. The cornstarch will help thicken the natural fruit juices during baking, creating a deliciously rich filling.

4. Step 4: Set Aside

   Set the plum mixture aside while you roll out the chilled pastry dough. This allows the flavors to mingle before assembling your rustic crostata.

Assembling and Baking the Crostata

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking tray and have your parchment paper ready for assembling the crostata.

2. Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry Dough

   Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it out into a round disc, a few millimetres thick. Carefully remove the top sheet of parchment paper, leaving the dough on the bottom sheet for easy transfer.

3. Step 3: Add the Plum Filling

   Spoon the prepared plum filling evenly over the centre of the pastry, leaving a 5 cm (2-inch) border around the edges. Spread the plums gently to create an even layer, allowing the beautiful colours of the fruit to shine through.

4. Step 4: Shape the Crostata

   Carefully fold the edges of the pastry inward over the plum filling, gently overlapping the dough as you work your way around. Don’t worry about making it perfect — the beauty of a rustic crostata lies in its naturally imperfect, homemade appearance.

5. Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Tray

   Using the parchment paper underneath, carefully transfer the assembled crostata onto a baking tray. Make sure the folded edges are secure and the filling remains evenly distributed.

6. Step 6: Bake Until Golden

   Place the crostata in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden brown and crisp, and the plum filling is soft, juicy, and gently bubbling.

7. Step 7: Cool & Serve

   Remove the crostata from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. This gives the fruit filling time to settle and makes serving easier. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, on its own or with a generous scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.