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Pasteis de Nata (Custard Tarts)

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Resting time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 tsp. Fine Sea Salt
  • 3/4 - 1 cup Cold Water
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter very softened

For the Custard Filling:

  • 3 tbsp. Flour
  • 1/4 cup Whole Milk
  • 1 1/4 cup Granulated Cane Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup Water
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 6 large Egg Yolks
  • Powdered Sugar for garnishing

Instructions

For the Dough:

  • Combine all ingredients EXCEPT the water into a large bowl. Mix well, then add 3/4 cup cold water. Mix with a fork until a shaggy dough, then turn out onto a clean surface to knead until a very soft and pliable dough. Add up to 1/4 cup more water, as needed.
  • Cover and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  • Roll out the dough until 1/8" thick, about an 18" square.
  • Divide the cubed butter into thirds, about 5-6 tbsp per third.
  • Spread one third of the butter on two-thirds on the dough. Fold like a letter, by folding the unbuttered dough side over the center. Then, fold the remaining flap over the center, as well. Watch the video for a better visual guide.
  • Making sure the surface stays well-floured, roll out the dough to a very thin rectangle again. Brush with another third of the softened butter and fold same as last time.
  • For the final time, roll out the dough to 18x21" rectangle. Spread all over with the remaining third of butter. Roll up tightly width-wise into a log. Cover and let chill in the fridge 1-2 hours.
  • Grease 1-2 muffins tins.
  • Slice the chilled dough log into 1" pieces, then semi-flatten in the palm of your hands. Use cold water to help it not stick, if needed.
  • Place the flatten dough into the greased muffin tin and use your thumb to press it up along the muffin tin edges. You're creating a tart cup. Repeat with remaining dough.

For the Custard Filling:

  • Preheat oven to 500F for at least 20 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the flour and 1/4 cup milk until smooth. Set aside.
  • In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and remaining water. Place over medium high heat to boil until 220F. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk as you gradually pour the sugar mixture into the flour-water bowl.
  • In the same saucepan, scorch the milk by bringing to a boil.
  • Gradually whisk the hot milk into the bowl.
  • Add one egg yolk at a time, whisk the yolks into the bowl until smooth.
  • Fill each tart cup 3/4ths full with the custard mix.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, until tops are deeply golden.
  • Let cool at least 30 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar to enjoy!
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