Pastéis de Nata: The Portuguese creamy miracle

If you're visiting Portugal, Pastéis de Nata is one of the first sweets you should try. These small, round, creamy pastries are one of the most iconic flavors of Portuguese cuisine, a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The origin of the sweet

The origins of Pastéis de Nata can be traced back to the 18th century Jerónimos Monastery near Lisbon. The monks of the monastery used egg whites to starch their clothes after washing, leaving them with plenty of egg yolks, which they began using to make pastries. The recipe for the famous Pastéis de Belém has remained a secret ever since, and is only made in the original pastry shop in the Belém district of Lisbon, to which the monks sold the recipe.

Interesting facts

• Pastéis de Nata are always best when fresh and slightly warm.

• The cake is often served with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

• Nowadays, it is popular all over the world and is available in canned or frozen versions in pastry shops and supermarkets.

• The Portuguese often drink coffee with it and eat it for breakfast or as a snack.

Pastéis de Nata - Recipe for home

If you want to try it at home, here's a simple version:

Ingredients (for about 12 pieces):

• 1 package of puff pastry

• 250 ml cream

• 250 ml milk

• 6 egg yolks

• 150g sugar

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Grated zest of 1 lemon

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.

2. Pour the milk and cream into a saucepan, add the grated lemon zest, and heat it up.

3. Meanwhile, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and flour, then slowly pour in the hot milk mixture. Cook, stir it constantly, until it becomes creamy.

4. Roll out the puff pastry, cut out circles, and line muffin tins with them.

5. Fill the pastry baskets with the cream and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cream is golden brown and the pastry is crispy.

6. You can sprinkle cinnamon or powdered sugar on it before serving.

Summary

Pastéis de Nata is more than just a cake, they are a delicious little piece of Portuguese culture and history. One bite of this creamy treat and you can feel the salty air of the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquility of Lisbon's monasteries.