Description
Nigella Lawson’s Portuguese Custard Tarts Recipe features a crisp, buttery puff pastry filled with a creamy custard flavored with vanilla and lemon zest. These tarts are traditionally baked until the custard is slightly caramelized on top, creating a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
For the Custard:
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and cut into circles to fit a muffin tin. Press the pastry into the muffin cups.
- Heat the Milk and Cream: Combine milk and cream in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Mix Sugar and Cornstarch: In a bowl, whisk together sugar and cornstarch.
- Combine with Egg Yolks: Add egg yolks to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Fill the Pastry Shells: Spoon the custard into the prepared pastry shells.
- Bake the Tarts: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the custard is set and the tops are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tarts to cool in the tin before serving.