I met a friend at a cosy cafe where we could have a natter whilst enjoying natas.
I can hear you saying, “MoMoGrow - what are you talking about?”
Well this is where our cross-cultural multi-cultural world adds some delight in our lives.
According to the Oxford dictionary:
natter is to talk casually, especially on unimportant matters; chat.
...and nata or Pastel de nata is a Portuguese custard tart.
Both these n - words, I love to partake in but my indulgence in nata is what I will now natter on about.
Natas -The World Needs Nata Amsterdam
We enjoyed this amazing dessert at a cafe that believes that the World needs Nata - this is not an exaggeration - that is the cafe’s name. I tend to agree with them. 😀
Natas originate in Belém, Lisbon - they are served slightly warm with a sprinkling of cinnamon - powdered sugar is optional.
- After biting into its flaky pastry with its perfectly caramelised top then tasting its creamy center - you will decide that they are simply mouthwatering.
- You will want to savor every single bite - every single morsel, every single flake.
- You will know what I mean after you have tasted them.
- You will want more - it is hard to eat only one!
This Portuguese dessert is in a class of its own and can take its place amongst the best French or Italian desserts.
After purchasing natas too often, I decided to try to make my own. It took some effort to make the pastry but it was well worth it.
These photos are from my first attempt. I have made then 4 times - they now shape and look better. The end result tasted pretty amazing (my family agrees - they are my best critics).
I have also done the easy version by using supermarket bought puff pastry. It tastes the same.
I watched many videos on the internet in order to get an idea. Then I made my natas without measuring.
Basically, this recipe is an egg custard - hence a custard (milk or cream with flour, egg yolks and vanilla) sweetened with a syrup (sugar and water) mixed together and poured in cups made of flaky pastry then baked. The recipes boiled the cinnamon stick and lemon rind in the milk or syrup. I chose the syrup.
Here is a video, with the steps and measurements.
If you make these Portuguese Custard Tarts - I hope you will kind them as tasty and delicious as I do. They are perfect with a steamy cup of coffee or tea. 😀
Please let me know.