Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata)
In the heart of Portugal, the Pastéis de Nata stands as a symbol of the country’s rich culinary tradition. This delectable treat, a favorite of both locals and visitors, offers a perfect balance of crispy, flaky puff pastry and rich, creamy custard. Our rendition of the classic Pastéis de Nata, made with a few simple ingredients, promises to transport your taste buds to the charming streets of Lisbon. This dessert, perfect for a cozy dinner for two, demonstrates the elegance and ingenuity of Portuguese cuisine.
Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert
Preparation Time: 30 minutes, Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 200 grams puff pastry
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 grams sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 15 grams cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C. Lightly grease a muffin tin with butter.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut out circles to fit the muffin tin. Gently press the pastry into the tin and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, mix the milk and cornstarch until well combined. Place over medium heat and stir until the mixture thickens and just begins to boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and creamy.
- Gradually add the thickened milk to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the yolks from curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick and creamy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the custard into the pastry shells, filling them just below the top.
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon over the custard and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the custard is set with a slight caramelized top.
- Allow the tarts to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- For a more traditional experience, let the custard set slightly before serving them warm.
- Be careful not to overfill the pastry shells to prevent the custard from bubbling over during baking.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100 grams | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 220 kcal (920 kJ) | 330 kcal (1380 kJ) |
| Fat | 13 grams | 19.5 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams | 6 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20 grams | 30 grams |
| Sugars | 15 grams | 22.5 grams |
| Proteins | 4 grams | 6 grams |
| Salt | 0.3 grams | 0.45 grams |
