Pasteis de nata

Pasteis de Nata are a famous Portuguese delicacy, known for their crispy crust and creamy filling. Here’s how you can prepare them, with an Italian twist that you might enjoy. For example, you could add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla, which are very present flavors in Italian pastry as well.

Ingredients

• 1 roll of ready-made puff pastry (for a more artisanal touch, you might make it at home)
• 250 ml of fresh cream
• 2 egg yolks
• 100 g of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (corn flour)
• Zest of 1 lemon (or orange for a variant)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• Powdered sugar and ground cinnamon for garnishing (here too, you can use vanilla)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 250 °C.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into discs that can cover the Pasteis (or muffin) molds.
3. Gently press the pastry discs into the molds.
4. In a saucepan, mix the cream with the cornstarch and sugar. Add the lemon zest and the cinnamon stick.
5. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to thicken, stirring continuously.
6. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before removing the cinnamon stick and lemon zest.
7. In a bowl, beat the yolks and then add them to the cream mixture, stirring quickly.
8. Pour the filling into the puff pastry-lined molds.
9. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the surface of the pasteis turns golden and the puff pastry puffs up.
10. Take them out of the oven and let them cool a little before dusting them with powdered sugar and cinnamon or vanilla, according to your taste.

Curiosity

Pasteis de Nata are a traditional dessert from Belém, near Lisbon, and the original recipe is a well-kept secret. They are said to have been created by the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery in the 18th century. Today, they are popular all over the world and are a mandatory stop for those visiting Portugal. Have fun preparing them and bon appétit!