Portuguese tarts, also known as pastéis de nata, are a delicious and beloved dessert treat. These creamy, custard-filled tarts have a flaky pastry crust and are a staple in Portuguese cuisine. While there are many variations of this recipe, Nigella Lawson's take on these tarts is a must-try for any dessert lover. In this article, we will explore Nigella's recipe and learn how to make these delectable Portuguese tarts at home.
Portuguese custard tarts, also known as pastéis de nata, are a popular and delicious dessert that originated in Portugal. These sweet treats consist of a flaky pastry crust filled with a creamy egg custard mixture. They are a staple in Portuguese bakeries and can now be found all over the world. In this article, we will explore 17 different variations of this delectable dessert. From traditional recipes to vegan and healthier options, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The classic Portuguese custard tart recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. Made with simple ingredients such as butter, flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, these tarts are surprisingly easy to make at home. The key to achieving the perfect custard filling is to slowly cook the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. The result is a velvety smooth custard that pairs perfectly with the flaky crust. Top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
If you want to elevate your custard tarts to the next level, try this recipe for Pastéis de Nata. These tarts use a special type of pastry called puff pastry, which creates a flakier and more buttery crust. The custard filling is also slightly different, using both lemon zest and vanilla extract for a unique and delicious flavor. These tarts are sure to impress your family and friends at your next gathering or dinner party.
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Vegan Portuguese Custard Tarts
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry Sheets, Cinnamon, Granulated White Sugar
For all the vegans out there, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of Portuguese custard tarts. This recipe uses plant-based ingredients such as coconut milk, tofu, and vegan butter to create a creamy and flavorful custard filling. The crust is made with almond flour, making it gluten-free as well. These vegan custard tarts are a guilt-free option for those who still want to indulge in this tasty dessert.
If you want to try a more traditional version of Pastéis de Nata, this recipe is for you. It uses the classic puff pastry and custard filling but adds a twist with the addition of port wine. The wine adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the custard, making these tarts even more delicious. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee for a truly authentic Portuguese experience.
This recipe for Pastéis de Nata is a bit different from the others on this list as it uses a different type of crust. This version uses a flaky, buttery shortcrust pastry, which is quicker and easier to make than puff pastry. The custard filling is also slightly different, using both whole milk and heavy cream for a richer and creamier texture. This is a great option for those who prefer a more buttery crust in their custard tarts.
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Portuguese Custard Tarts – Pastel de Nata Delicioso!
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Caster Sugar, Water, Cinnamon Stick, Lemon
This recipe for Pastel de Nata is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a tasty and satisfying dessert. The crust is made with a combination of flour, butter, and cream cheese, giving it a unique and flavorful taste. The custard filling is made with a generous amount of egg yolks, making it rich and velvety. These custard tarts are sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Portuguese Custard Tarts | Slimming World & Weight...
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Large Egg, Large Egg Yolk, Sweetener
If you're following a weight loss plan, you don't have to give up on your favorite desserts. This recipe for Portuguese custard tarts is Slimming World-friendly, meaning it's low in calories and fat. The crust is made with a combination of whole wheat flour and oats, making it a healthier option. The custard filling is also made with skim milk and sweetened with a sugar substitute. You can now enjoy these tasty tarts guilt-free.
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Portuguese Custard Tarts – The Hieronymites Got This...
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Kosher Salt, Cold Water, Flour
Legend has it that the recipe for Portuguese custard tarts was created by monks at the Hieronymites Monastery in Lisbon. This recipe pays homage to that story and creates a delicious variation of Pastéis de Nata. The crust is made with a combination of flour, butter, and ground almonds, giving it a nutty and unique flavor. The custard filling also uses almond extract, adding a subtle almond flavor to the tarts.
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The Most Delicious Pasteis de Nata – Portuguese...
Main Ingredients: Butter, Milk, Lemon Zest, Cinnamon Stick, Vanilla
This recipe for Pastéis de Nata is a true crowd-pleaser. Made with a combination of puff pastry and shortcrust pastry, these tarts have a flaky and buttery crust that perfectly complements the creamy custard filling. The custard is flavored with a touch of lemon zest and vanilla extract, giving it a refreshing and delicate taste. These tarts are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone.
If you want to try a more traditional custard tart recipe, this one is for you. It uses the classic puff pastry and custard filling, but with the addition of a unique ingredient – almond flour. The almond flour adds a subtle nutty flavor to the crust, making it stand out from other recipes. These tarts are easy to make and are a perfect dessert for any occasion.
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Individual Portuguese Custard Tarts Made Easy
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Custard Powder, Golden Caster Sugar
If you're hosting a party or just want to make individual servings of Portuguese custard tarts, this recipe is perfect for you. It uses a muffin tin to create individual tarts, making it easier to serve and eat. The crust is made with a combination of flour, butter, and cream cheese, giving it a unique and delicious taste. These individual tarts are great for potlucks, picnics, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
This recipe for Pastéis de Nata is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional custard tart. The crust is made with a combination of flour, butter, and egg yolks, giving it a rich and buttery taste. The custard filling is flavored with a touch of cinnamon, adding a warm and cozy taste to the tarts. These tarts are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.
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Vegan Portuguese custard tarts - Pasteis de nata vegano
Main Ingredients: Milk, Icing Sugar, Corn Starch, Vanilla Essence, Full
This vegan version of Pastéis de Nata is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthier and plant-based option. The crust is made with a combination of whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and almond flour, making it gluten-free as well. The custard filling is made with tofu and coconut milk, giving it a creamy and satisfying texture. These vegan custard tarts are a delicious and guilt-free dessert option.
If you want to try a unique and flavorful variation of Pastéis de Nata, this recipe is for you. It uses a combination of puff pastry and shortcrust pastry for the crust, giving it a flaky and buttery taste. The custard filling is flavored with orange zest and orange juice, giving it a refreshing and citrusy taste. These tarts are perfect for summertime or anytime you want a burst of fruity flavor in your dessert.
This recipe for Pastéis de Nata is perfect for those who want to add a touch of vanilla to their custard tarts. The crust is made with a combination of flour, butter, and cream cheese, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The custard filling is flavored with both vanilla extract and vanilla bean, making it a vanilla lover's dream. Serve these tarts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate vanilla experience.
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Double Vanilla Portuguese Custard Tarts
Main Ingredients: Large Egg Yolks, Caster Sugar, Cornflour, Salt, Cream
If you can't get enough of vanilla, this recipe is for you. These Double Vanilla Portuguese Custard Tarts use a combination of puff pastry and shortcrust pastry for the crust, giving it a flaky and buttery texture. The custard filling is flavored with both vanilla extract and vanilla bean, making it extra rich and flavorful. These tarts are perfect for a special occasion or just when you want to treat yourself to something extra delicious.
The Perfect Pastry
When it comes to making Portuguese tarts, the pastry is just as important as the filling. Nigella's recipe calls for a puff pastry dough, which can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can make your own puff pastry from scratch. The key to a flaky and delicious pastry is to keep the dough chilled and to roll it out thinly. This will create those beautiful, crispy layers that make Portuguese tarts so irresistible.
The Creamy Custard Filling
The star of the show in Nigella's recipe is the creamy custard filling. To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, Nigella uses a combination of whole milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. The result is a rich and velvety custard that is not too sweet and perfectly balances the buttery pastry crust. Nigella also adds a touch of vanilla extract and lemon zest to enhance the flavor of the custard.
Baking and Serving
Once you have prepared the pastry and filling, it's time to assemble and bake the tarts. Nigella suggests using a muffin tin to create individual tarts, but you can also use a large tart tin if you prefer. The tarts are baked at a high temperature, which ensures that the pastry gets golden and crisp while the custard remains silky and creamy. Once they are done, let the tarts cool before dusting them with powdered sugar and serving them warm or at room temperature.
Whether you are a fan of Nigella Lawson or just looking for a delicious and easy dessert recipe, her Portuguese tarts are a must-try. With a perfectly flaky pastry and a luscious custard filling, these tarts are sure to impress your taste buds and become a new favorite in your household. So why not give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Portugal into your home? Your family and friends will thank you.