Food, it fuels the souls of the locals in Portugal with Mediterranean influences combining with a genuine passion and love of all things food to create a cuisine unlike any other. With an unparalleled sweet tooth, Portugal is home to delicious treats that your taste buds are sure to fancy!
Pastel de nata, also known as Portuguese tarts, are a staple Portuguese dessert. The delicious egg filled pastries originated in Lisbon but are found throughout the entire country and have recently started making their way around the world.
Did you know, the original recipe dates back 300 years!
Over 300 years ago in a parish located to the west of Lisbon's city centre, the first pastel de nata was created by monks at the Jeronimos Monastery. After starching their clothes with egg whites, the monks used the left over yolks to make the pastel de nata. They perfected the recipe and began selling them when they needed to raise money for the monastery. In 1834, the monastery was closed and the coveted pastel de nata recipe was sold to the owners of Pastéis de Belém, a bakery that still sells the tart today!
So, what’s all the fuss about?
It’s very hard to taste a pastel de nata and not fall in love with it! Flaky, golden pastry encases a creamy custard mix flavoured with hints of cinnamon and lots of sugary goodness. The top is caramelised after baking to complete this tasty masterpiece. Eat as the locals do and accompany your pastel de nata with an espresso or cappuccino, the perfect morning, afternoon or evening pick me up!
Photo by Alice Butenko/Unsplash
