Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)

A sun-sprinkled delight from Lisbon's bakeries: flaky, irresistible pastry cups filled with a silky, cinnamon-kissed custard. These tarts are crisp around the edges and molten at the heart-best enjoyed warm with a dusting of cinnamon or finely ground coffee. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Makes: 12 tarts | 4 Calories: approx. 220 per tart Tips & Tricks For extra authenticity, finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or espresso-ground coffee. * If you prefer a richer flavour, swap 50 ml of milk for cream. For crispier pastry, chill the tins in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking. Serve warm-these custard tarts are at their best straight from the oven!

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 250 °C (230 °C fan).

Step 2

Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

Step 3

In a saucepan, whisk the milk with the cornflour until smooth. Add the lemon zest and a pinch of salt.

Step 4

Stir in the sugar and heat gently, whisking constantly, until the mixture just begins to thicken (about 3 minutes). Remove from the heat and discard the lemon zest.

Step 5

In a bowl, beat together the egg yolks, whole egg and vanilla. Gradually whisk the warm milk mixture into the eggs to temper— do this slowly so the eggs don't scramble.

Step 6

Return the combined custard to the pan and cook over a low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until it coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.

Step 7

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth away creases. Using a 10 cm cutter, stamp out 12 circles and gently press each into the muffin holes, creating neat little cups.

Step 8

Pour the warm custard into the pastry cases, filling them almost to the brim.

Step 9

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the custard has those signature dark flecks on top.

Step 10

Rotate the tin halfway for even colouring.

Step 11

Allow the tarts to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.