1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well. 2. Add the butter to the bowl, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. 3. Add the cold water to the bowl, and mix until the dough comes together. It should be smooth and not sticky. 4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. 7. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough that are slightly larger than your muffin tin cups. 8. Press the dough circles into the muffin tin cups, and prick the bottoms with a fork. 9. Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to chill while you make the custard filling.
Making the Custard Filling
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour until they are well combined. 2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it begins to steam. 3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are smooth. 4. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. 5. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens. 6. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract. 7. Pour the custard into a heat-safe measuring cup or pitcher, and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Baking the Tarts
1. Remove the muffin tin from the refrigerator, and pour the custard filling into the pastry shells, filling each one about 3/4 full. 2. Bake the tarts for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the custard is set. 3. Remove the tarts from the oven, and let them cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes. 4. Carefully remove the tarts from the muffin tin and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
One serving of Portuguese tarts (1 tart) contains approximately:
Calories: 225
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 19g
Protein: 3g
Conclusion
Portuguese tarts are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your friends and family. With a crispy pastry shell and a creamy custard filling, they are the perfect treat for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step instructions and enjoy this traditional Portuguese pastry in the comfort of your own home.