Catalan Cream

Crema Catalana - The Classic Delight of Desserts

If you dream of a dessert that combines tradition with a refined taste, crema catalana is the perfect choice. This dessert, known for its creamy texture and caramelized top, has deep roots in culinary culture, often associated with special moments and festive meals. Get ready to impress with this simple yet spectacular recipe that transforms basic ingredients into something truly special.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes (including caramelization time)
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 ml whole milk
- 100 g sugar (plus extra for caramelization)
- 4 egg yolks
- Zest of one lemon (approximately one medium lemon)
- 25 g cornstarch
- 1 piece of whole cinnamon stick
- Brown sugar (from cane sugar) for caramelization

Step 1: Preparing the flavors
In a medium saucepan, add 400 ml of whole milk, lemon zest, and the piece of cinnamon. Add half of the total sugar (i.e., 50 g). Place the mixture over medium heat and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it begins to boil. This step is crucial as the lemon and cinnamon flavors will infuse into the milk, giving it an extraordinary taste.

Step 2: Cooling the mixture
Once the milk has started to boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. It does not need to cool completely, but it is important that it is not hot when we add the other ingredients.

Step 3: Preparing the yolk mixture
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, separate the yolks from the whites (you can use the whites for an omelet or meringue later). Add the remaining sugar (50 g) and cornstarch to the bowl with the yolks. Use a whisk or fork to mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Gradually add the cooled milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Strain the hot milk, with the lemon and cinnamon flavors, into the yolk mixture. Mix well, and then place everything back on medium heat. Continue to stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. This step may require a little patience, but the developing flavors will be worth the effort. Be careful not to let the mixture boil too much, or it may curdle.

Step 5: Portioning and cooling
Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and pour it into bowls or small dishes (preferably heat-resistant). Let them cool to room temperature, then place them in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours, or until the cream is completely cold.

Step 6: Caramelizing
When the cream is well chilled, sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar over each portion. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, moving constantly to avoid burning. If you do not have a kitchen torch, you can use the oven. Preheat it to 200-220 degrees Celsius and place the bowls under the grill for a few minutes until the sugar turns into a golden, crispy crust.

Step 7: Serving
After the sugar has caramelized, you can place the bowls back in the refrigerator to cool slightly before serving. For a truly spectacular impression, you can add a splash of liqueur over the melted caramel and set it on fire, presenting the dessert with flames at the table. It’s an exciting experience and a true culinary show!

Practical tips:
- You can replace the lemon zest with orange zest for a different but equally delicious variation.
- If you do not have cornstarch, you can use flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla for a unique flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of crema catalana contains approximately 280-300 calories, being a good source of calcium and protein due to the milk and eggs. However, be mindful of the amount of added sugar, which can significantly increase the caloric value.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use skim milk?
Yes, but the cream will have a less creamy texture. Whole milk is recommended for optimal taste and consistency.
2. What else can I add to customize the recipe?
Try adding a few drops of vanilla essence or even a splash of rum for a special flavor.
3. How can I tell if the cream has thickened enough?
Test with a spoon: if the mixture coats the back of the spoon and you can draw a line with your finger, it’s ready!

With each bite of crema catalana, you will enjoy not just a dessert, but also a culinary tradition that brings joy and warmth to every meal. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!