Guest recipes: Creating Traditional Pastéis de Nata
Guest recipes from LIDL Food Academy showcase delightful dishes, starting with the iconic Pastéis de Nata. This Portuguese custard tart is renowned for its flaky pastry and creamy filling, making it a beloved treat.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Ingredients for Pastéis de Nata
- 425g package ready opened puff pastry (40×32 cm)
- 350g milk
- 100g white sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 sachet vanilla powder or 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- 1/3 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- Powdered sugar and ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Begin by placing the milk and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat. Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Once the milk has warmed, gradually pour it into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Strain this mixture back into the saucepan and heat gently, stirring for approximately 30 seconds until it thickens slightly.
Preheat your oven to 200°C. Grease a 12-cup muffin or cupcake pan. Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into circles about 10-12 cm in diameter. Place the pastry circles into the greased muffin tin, pressing them gently against the sides and base, and pierce the bottoms with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Pour the custard mixture into each pastry case and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Once done, carefully remove them from the moulds and sprinkle with icing sugar and additional cinnamon before serving.
Indulging in Saganaki with Lemony Honey Sauce
Another highlight among the guest recipes is the Saganaki, a delightful Greek cheese dish that’s perfect for sharing. The crispy exterior and gooey interior make it an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients for Saganaki
- 300g cheese suitable for saganaki (kefalotyri, gruyere, or another hard cheese)
- 100g all-purpose flour
- Olive oil for frying
- Lemon slices for serving
Ingredients for the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey (30g)
- Juice of 1 lemon (40 ml)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme
How to Prepare Saganaki
To create the sauce, gently heat the honey in a small saucepan, adding the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Allow this to simmer for 1-2 minutes and then set aside to keep warm.
Cut the cheese into pieces approximately 1.5 cm thick. Prepare a bowl of cold water and a plate of flour. Dip each piece of cheese in the water, then coat in flour, ensuring to shake off any excess.
In a non-stick skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil and fry the cheese pieces for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
To serve, arrange the fried saganaki on a plate, drizzle with the warm lemon sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme and lemon slices for an added burst of flavour.
Refreshing Cycladic Watermelon Pie
Lastly, the Cycladic Watermelon Pie offers a unique and refreshing dessert option, perfect for warm days. This dish combines the sweetness of watermelon with a crispy crust that is sure to please.
Ingredients for Cycladic Watermelon Pie
- 700g finely chopped watermelon
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- Olive oil (for brushing and sprinkling)
- Sesame seeds (for spreading and sprinkling)
Steps to Make Watermelon Pie
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C. Prepare a round 20-22 cm baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, brushing with olive oil, and sprinkling sesame seeds on the base.
In a bowl, crush the watermelon with your hands to extract the juice and break it into small pieces, discarding seeds if necessary. Combine the crushed watermelon with flour, honey, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until well incorporated.
Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it to a thickness of 1-2 cm. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top and sprinkle with sesame seeds before placing it in the oven.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the pie is golden brown and forms a crispy crust. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes outside the oven before serving, either hot or cold, ideally paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Explore More at LIDL Food Academy
These guest recipes from LIDL Food Academy not only celebrate diverse flavours but also invite you to explore new culinary horizons. Whether you’re indulging in the creamy goodness of Pastéis de Nata, the savoury delight of Saganaki, or the refreshing twist of Cycladic Watermelon Pie, each dish promises to bring joy to your table.
