Natas are deliciously light and crispy Portuguese pastries, also known as pastéis de nata. The result is a pastry with a crispy crust and a creamy, vanilla-scented filling. These little treats are very popular in Portugal and are appreciated around the world for their delicate flavour and deliciously contrasting texture.
Servings : 16
Preparation : 10 minutes
Cooking : 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 1 store-bought butter puff pastry
- 250 ml (1 cup) 35% cream
- 4 egg yolks
- 10 ml (2 tsp) cornstarch
- 80 ml (5 tbsp) sugar
- 1/2 lemon, zest
- 3 ml (1/2 tsp) bitter almond extract
- 3 ml (1/2 tsp) ground cinnamon, to taste
- 1 pinch of salt
PREPARATION
- Preheat the oven, rack in the center to 230°C (450°F)
- Butter the muffin molds.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut out circles of dough large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the muffin molds.
- Place the dough in each buttered mold. Prick the dough with a fork.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until you get a light and frothy cream, add the cornstarch, lemon zest, bitter almond extract, vanilla, cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Add the cream and whisk everything together.
- Pour the mixture into the molds and bake for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with icing sugar. Serve warm or cold.
