Custard tart

The dessert we will prepare today is a true feast of flavors, a delicacy with deep roots in culinary history. It is about Pastel de Belem, also known as Pastel de Nata. This dessert, with a fine cream texture and a crispy pastry, was created by the nuns of an old monastery, and its recipe is kept sacred. Over time, it has evolved, becoming one of the most appreciated cream tarts in the world. I invite you to discover with me the steps to achieve this refined dessert, which will bring a touch of tradition and flavor to your kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the puff pastry:
- 450g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 30g sugar
- 150g butter
- 100ml cold water (from the fridge)

For the vanilla cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 350g liquid cream
- 200g sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. This mixture will provide the perfect base for your dough.
2. Add the butter cut into cubes. Use a mixer or two forks to incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture becomes sandy.
3. Pour in the cold water gradually, mixing constantly until the dough becomes smooth. Avoid overworking it to keep the airy texture.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This resting time will allow the gluten to relax, resulting in a dough that is easier to roll out.

Step 2: Shaping the dough
1. After an hour, take the dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface. You should achieve a sheet about 0.5 cm thick.
2. Roll the dough tightly and cut it into pieces about 4 cm long. Slightly flatten each piece, forming a “cup” that will hold the cream.
3. Place each piece of dough into muffin tins, ensuring that the dough well covers the sides of the mold.
4. Refrigerate the molds for another 5 minutes to firm up before baking.

Step 3: Baking the dough
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. This step is essential for achieving a crispy crust.
2. Bake the dough for 10 minutes or until it turns golden. In the meantime, we can prepare the delicious cream.

Step 4: Preparing the cream
1. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with half of the cream until completely dissolved.
2. Add the remaining cream and sugar, continuing to mix until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Incorporate the beaten egg yolks, vanilla sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until you achieve a uniform composition.
4. Fill each baked tart with the vanilla cream, leaving a little space at the top.

Step 5: Final baking
1. Put the molds back in the oven and let them bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cream becomes golden and slightly caramelized at the edges.
2. Once cooled, remove them from the molds and sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance.

Chef's tip
If you want to achieve an even easier-to-handle dough, you can opt for store-bought puff pastry. I have tried both options, and while homemade dough has its charm, ready-made puff pastry can save a lot of time and effort. Feel free to experiment with various flavors in the cream, such as a little almond or citrus extract, to give it a unique touch.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole eggs instead of yolks?
We do not recommend it, as the yolks provide creaminess and a fine texture specific to this dessert.

2. How can I store the pastries?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is best to consume them fresh!

3. What drinks pair well with Pastel de Belem?
An espresso coffee or a flavored tea pairs perfectly with these tarts.

Delicious combinations
You can serve Pastel de Belem with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit sauce to add a delicious contrast. These combinations not only enhance the presentation but also offer an explosion of flavors.

This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a journey back in time to its traditional roots. So embrace the art of cooking and enjoy every step of preparing this delight. Each bite will bring a smile to your face and that of your loved ones!