The Perfect Pastéis De Nata Should Look And Taste Like This

Pastéis de nata are little Portuguese custard tarts that - when baked to absolute perfection - harbour a well of creamy vanilla egg custard in a crispy puff pastry shell, lightly burnt on top, melting in the mouth after just a few chews.

Pastéis de nata are little Portuguese custard tarts that – when baked to absolute perfection – harbour a well of creamy vanilla egg custard in a crispy puff pastry shell, lightly burnt on top, melting in the mouth after just a few chews.

Many have tried to make these to the traditional recipe but getting the combination of flavour and texture just right takes time, patience and practice. Which is a good thing, because one tart is never enough. Ever.

It’s said that pastéis de nata (literally ‘cream pastries’) were created by monks in the Jerónimos Monastery, a major tourist attraction today and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The monks used egg whites to starch their clothing and fabrics, and were left with an excess of leftover yolks. Instead of wasting them, they used them to make cakes and pastries, eventually selling Pastéis De Belém to the public to raise funds.

This recipe recreates the light and airy tartlets produced by the monks back then, without you having to leave the comfort of your kitchen.

The Perfect Pastéis De Nata Should Look And Taste Like This | Cooking Clue

Perfect Pastéis De Nata

Pastéis de nata are little Portuguese custard tarts that – when baked to absolute perfection – harbour a well of creamy vanilla egg custard in a crispy puff pastry shell, lightly burnt on top, melting in the mouth after just a few chews.
Servings 12
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 packs of puff pastry
  • 220 g caster sugar
  • 6 egg yolks freeze the egg whites for meringues later
  • 4 tbsp cornflour
  • 360 ml cream
  • 250 ml water
  • 3 strips lemon rind
  • 10 cm cinnamon stick
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven to 220 °C
  • Make sure your pastry is well thawed beforehand
  • Butter each of the wells of a 12-well muffin pan
  • If you’re using flat sheets, you’ll need two layers to make the 12 pasteis
  • Place one sheet over the other and roll into a cigar shape
  • Slice into 12 equal rounds
  • Roll each round into a ball and press into the the mould
  • The pastry should reach just beyond the lip of the mould, as it will shrink during baking
  • Make the custard by mixing the balance of the ingredients well and pouring this mixture into a pot over a moderate heat, whisking constantly
  • As soon as you see little bubbles forming and the mixture feels thicker, remove from the heat and continue to whisk until it forms a thick custard
  • Remove the lemon rind and cinnamon stick and pour the custard into the pastry in the moulds
  • Bake for 16 to 20 minutes
  • Leave in the tray for a few minutes to cool
  • Can be served warm or cold

Notes

Pasteis de Nata are best eaten warm (or cold) the same day they are baked. However you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days.
Course: Baking, Sweets and Desserts
Cuisine: Portuguese
Keyword: baking, desserts, pasteis de nata, sweets
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03/07/2024 08:26 pm GMT

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