Portugal, a country steeped in history and tradition, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. One of the quintessential delights that has gained global popularity is the beloved Pastéis de Nata, also known as Portuguese Custard Tarts. These sweet, creamy custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust are a delight for the senses, offering a perfect blend of history and taste that has won hearts across the world.

History: Discover the Origins of Pastéis de Nata

The history of Pastéis de Nata dates back to the early 18th century in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. It is believed that Catholic monks in the Jerónimos Monastery began creating these delectable treats using egg yolks leftover from starching clothes. The egg whites were used to starch the monks' religious garments, leaving behind an abundance of egg yolks. Rather than wasting them, the resourceful monks turned them into a delightful custard filling for pastries.

Intriguingly, the recipe for Pastéis de Nata was kept a closely guarded secret for many years, confined within the monastery walls. However, in the 1830s, following the Liberal Revolution in Portugal, the Jerónimos Monastery was shut down, and the recipe was sold to a sugar refinery. This led to the establishment of the famous bakery "Pastéis de Belém," located in the Belém neighborhood of Lisbon, which continues to serve the traditional Pastéis de Nata recipe to this day.

Recipe: Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

- 320g puff pastry

- Butter (for greasing)

For the Custard Filling:

- 200g granulated sugar

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 250ml milk

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1 strip of lemon zest

- 6 large egg yolks

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Custard Filling:

a. In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour, and a little bit of the milk to make a smooth paste.

b. Add the rest of the milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest to the mixture. Apply moderate heat and maintain a vigilant stirring motion until the mixture achieves a thickened consistency. Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon zest and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Pastry:

a. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).

b. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface until it is about 2mm thick. Roll it up into a log and slice it into 12 equal portions.

c. Take each portion and use your fingers to press it into the base and up the sides of a muffin tin, creating a pastry shell.

3. Fill the Pastry Shells:

a. Fill each pastry shell with the cooled custard mixture, leaving a little space at the top for the custard to expand during baking.

4. Bake:

a. Place the filled pastry shells in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the custard is caramelized and the pastry is golden brown.

5. Serve:

a. Allow the Pastéis de Nata to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Enjoy these delightful Pastéis de Nata with a cup of espresso or Portuguese coffee for an authentic taste of Portugal's sweet culinary tradition.

Portugal's Pastéis de Nata is not just a dessert; it's a piece of history encapsulated in a heavenly bite. The blend of a crispy, flaky pastry shell and the creamy, custardy filling is a testament to the age-old artistry of Portuguese baking, inviting the world to savor the flavors of a bygone era.