Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1/2 cup almond paste
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Muffin tin
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface until it is thin enough to fit into the muffin tin.
3. Cut the pastry into circles that are slightly larger than the muffin cups.
4. Place the pastry circles into the muffin cups, pressing them down gently.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond paste, sugar, and flour until well mixed.
6. In a saucepan, heat the milk until it begins to steam.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla extract.
8. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
9. Add the almond paste mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until well combined.
10. Pour the mixture into the pastry cups, filling them about 3/4 of the way full.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing the pastries from the muffin tin.
13. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
This recipe makes 12 almond pasteis de nata.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Total fat: 13g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total carbohydrate: 29g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 17g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond paste can be substituted with hazelnut paste or pistachio paste.
- Whole milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the almond paste mixture for a spiced flavor.
- Top the pastries with sliced almonds before baking for added texture.
- Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a stronger almond flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to roll out the puff pastry thin enough to fit into the muffin cups without overlapping.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the excess flour off the pastry before placing it into the muffin cups.
- Let the pastries cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin to prevent them from breaking apart.
Storage instructions:
Store the almond pasteis de nata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pastries in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the almond pasteis de nata on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint.
Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Sliced almonds
- Fresh mint
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pastry cups are too small, the filling may overflow. Make sure to cut the pastry circles slightly larger than the muffin cups.
- If the filling is too runny, add more flour to the almond paste mixture.
- If the pastry is not golden brown after baking, increase the oven temperature or bake for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to prevent the risk of salmonella.
- Store the pastries in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Pasteis de nata, also known as Portuguese custard tarts, originated in Lisbon, Portugal in the 18th century. The tarts were created by Catholic monks who used egg whites to starch their clothes, leaving them with a surplus of egg yolks. The monks used the egg yolks to make the custard filling for the tarts, which were sold to the public to support the monastery.
Flavor profiles:
The almond pasteis de nata have a sweet, nutty flavor from the almond paste and a creamy, vanilla custard filling. The puff pastry adds a flaky, buttery texture to the pastry.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the almond pasteis de nata as a dessert or a sweet snack. They can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Related Categories
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Region: Portuguese
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Creamy, Rich, Almondy, nutty, creamy, flaky, rich