Pastéis de nata
Enjoy the rich flavors of Pastéis de nata, a Portuguese treat that brings joy to every bite.
On a lively afternoon in a cozy tasca in Lisbon, the scent of warm Pastéis de nata wafts through the air, bringing smiles to both locals and visitors. These delightful custard tarts have become a beloved treat that perfectly captures the essence of Portuguese culture. With each bite, you experience the flaky, buttery pastry cradling a sweet, creamy filling that melts in your mouth, often topped with a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar.
The history of Pastéis de nata goes back to the 18th century, when monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém first whipped up these tasty treats. Today, they’re an essential part of any visit to Lisbon, enjoyed with a morning coffee or as a sweet indulgence at any time of day. It’s no wonder that so many people hold Pastéis de nata close to their hearts.
Ingredients · 4 servings
- 500 g puff pastry
- 6 large egg yolks
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 50 ml water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp corn starch
Method
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry and line a muffin tin or special tartlet molds.
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, then add the heavy cream, corn starch, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly pour the sugar syrup into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
- Strain the mixture to ensure a smooth custard, then pour it into the pastry-lined molds.
- Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the custard is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from the molds and serving.