Portuguese almond tart

Today, we are about to take you on a journey to the sunny lands of Portugal, where the flavors are as vibrant as the colors of our traditional azulejos. And what better way to embark on this delightful adventure than with a Portuguese almond tart? Trust me, this is a slice of heaven that will make your taste buds do the samba!

As a proud Portuguese woman, I’ve grown up surrounded by the tantalizing aromas and irresistible temptations of Portuguese pastries. From the creamy Pastéis de Nata to the crumbly Bolo de Arroz, we’ve got a sweet treat for every occasion. But there’s something truly special about the almond tart that holds a special place in my heart (and my stomach, of course).

Imagine a delicate pastry crust, so buttery and crisp that it crumbles at the mere touch of a fork. Now, picture a luscious almond filling, perfectly balanced between sweet and nutty, with a hint of citrus that dances on your palate. Are you drooling yet? I thought so! Well, my friend, this is the magic that happens when the Portuguese put their culinary skills to work.

Legend has it that the Portuguese almond tart was first created by a mischievous pastry chef who wanted to win the heart of a lovestruck princess. It is said that he prepared a tart so divine, so heavenly, that it made the princess forget all about her royal duties and fall head over heels in love with him. Now, I can’t guarantee that this almond tart will have the same effect on your love life, but it’s worth a shot, right?

One of the things I love most about this delectable dessert is its versatility. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, impressing your guests, or simply indulging in a little self-care, the Portuguese almond tart is always a winner. It’s like the superhero of pastries, swooping in to save the day whenever you need a touch of sweetness in your life.

But here’s a little secret: the real magic lies in the almonds themselves. Portugal has a long history of almond cultivation, dating back to the Moorish era. Our sunny climate and fertile soils provide the perfect conditions for growing these little powerhouses of flavor. And when you combine the finest almonds with a dash of sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a sprinkle of love, you get a tart that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

So, my friends, if you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure to the heart of Portugal, grab your forks and join me on this almond-infused rollercoaster ride. From the first bite to the last crumb, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Iberian Peninsula.

Get ready to fall in love with the Portuguese almond tart, one slice at a time. And remember, calories don’t count when you’re indulging in a cultural delicacy, right? So go ahead, take a bite, and savor the sweet taste of Portugal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups of sugar
• 1 2/3 cups of flour
• 6 oz of peeled almond kernels
• 2/3 cup of butter
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• zest of 1 lemon
• Butter for greasing

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly toast the almonds in the oven.
2. Grease a tart pan with butter and set aside.
3. In a bowl, beat 2.6 oz of butter with 2/3 cup of sugar. Add the eggs and lemon zest and mix.
4. Sift the baking powder with the flour and gradually add it to the previous mixture, mixing well.
5. Pour into the pan and bake for about 15 minutes.
6. In a saucepan, pour the remaining butter, milk, and remaining sugar, bring to heat and stir until you get a syrup.
7. Add the almonds and stir a little more.
8. Remove the tart from the oven, place the almond mixture on top and return to the oven until the almonds are golden brown.
9. Remove, let cool, unmold and serve.

Notes

• Add a touch of citrus: Adding a touch of citrus, such as orange or lemon zest, to the almond mixture can add a refreshing and zesty flavor to the tart. You can also try adding a splash of citrus juice to the syrup for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different nuts: While almonds are traditionally used in this recipe, you can experiment with other nuts such as hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts. Each nut will add its own unique flavor and texture to the tart.
• Add a layer of fruit: Adding a layer of fruit, such as thinly sliced apples or pears, between the crust and the almond mixture can add a delicious and fruity twist to the tart. You can also try using other fruits such as berries or stone fruits.
• Use a different type of sugar: Instead of using regular white sugar, you can experiment with other types of sugar such as brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey. Each type of sugar will add its own unique flavor and sweetness to the tart.
• Add spices: Adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the almond mixture can add warmth and depth of flavor to the tart. You can also try using a combination of spices to create your own unique blend.