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Authentic Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pasteis de Nata)

Indulge in the sweet comfort of pasteis de nata, a delectable Portuguese delicacy that combines buttery, flaky pastry with a silky custard filling.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • cup cold water
  • 1 stick high-quality unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • cup water
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Lemon peel from 1 lemon
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • cups whole milk
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon for dusting

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, salt, and cold water. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  2. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead for about 1 minute, then shape into a square. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 15 minutes.
  3. Roll the dough into a 12-inch square. Spread ⅓ of the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then fold into thirds again to form a small square. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  4. Place the dough with a folded edge facing you. Roll into a 12-inch square again and spread with another ⅓ of the butter. Fold into thirds, then thirds again. Cover and chill for 15 minutes. Repeat once more with the remaining butter.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, ⅔ cup water, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, milk, and ¼ cup flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the cooled sugar syrup (strained to remove cinnamon and lemon peel). Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  7. Roll the chilled dough into a log about 12 inches long. Cut into 12 equal pieces. Place each piece in a muffin cup, with the cut side facing up. Dip your thumb in cold water and press the dough against the bottom and sides of the cup, creating a thin, even layer with a small lip at the top.
  8. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or as high as your oven will go. Fill each tart shell about ¾ full with the custard mixture. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the tops are caramelized with dark spots.
  9. Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove to a wire rack. Dust with ground cinnamon and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 98mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14g
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