Delicious Pastéis de Santa Clara Recipe
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Get ready to take a tasty trip to Coimbra, Portugal, with our pastéis de santa clara! These almond-filled pastries have a buttery crust that's hard to resist. Originally made by nuns at the Santa Clara convent, they're perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself. Dive into our easy recipe and whip up a batch that’s sure to wow any dessert lover!
Tips for Success
• Ensure that your butter is very cold when making the pastry dough. This helps achieve a flaky texture. If necessary, you can freeze the butter for about 15 minutes before using it.
• When mixing the filling, do not overmix the egg yolks after adding them to the ground almonds and sugar. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a less dense filling and potentially causing the pastéis to puff up too much during baking.
• Avoid adding too much water to the pastry dough. Start with 2 tablespoons and incorporate more only if necessary. Excess water can make the dough tough rather than tender and flaky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the ground almonds with another type of nut or flour?
Yes, you can substitute ground almonds with ground hazelnuts or walnuts if desired. If you have nut allergies, you could use ground sunflower seeds or even a flour like almond flour; however, it may change the texture and flavor slightly.
How should I store leftover pastéis de Santa Clara?
To store leftover pastéis de santa clara, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving.
What should I do if the dough is too crumbly and doesn’t hold together?
If your dough is too crumbly, it may need a bit more moisture. Try adding an additional teaspoon of ice water and knead again until the dough holds together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as that can lead to a tougher pastry.
Recommended Drink Pairings
- Port Wine: Its rich sweetness complements the almond filling beautifully.
- Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay balances the buttery pastry with its crisp acidity.
- Sparkling Water: The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the dessert experience.
- Espresso: The bold coffee flavor contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pastéis.
- Green Tea: Its earthy notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich filling.
Ingredients
Equipment:
With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!
Directions
- Add butter and water into the flour, then knead until you get a smooth dough.
- Place in a bowl and cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Add the sugar and water to a saucepan, then bring to a boil without stirring, until syrupy.
- Then, add the almonds and the yolks you've previously whisked and stir until you get a thick paste.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator, and roll it out very thin, about 1/8-inch in thickness.
- Cut out circles in the dough with a 3-inch cutter.
- Place a teaspoon of the almond filling in the center of each circle, then fold, and seal with water.
- Brush the pastries with an egg wash, then bake at 200°C or 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden.
- Take out of the oven and while still hot and roll in powdered sugar.
Adapted from a Recipe by: tasteatlas.com
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
You might also like these: Snack Recipes
Reviews (4)
I just want to make sure I do it correctly