If you’re a fan of sweet pastries, you’ve probably heard of egg tarts. Originating from Portugal, these delectable treats have since become a popular dessert in many countries, including China, Hong Kong, and Macau. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what egg tarts are, their history, different variations, and how to make them.
History of Egg Tarts
Egg tarts have a fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century when Portuguese merchants sailed to China and introduced their famous pastries to the locals. The original recipe consisted of a buttery crust filled with a creamy mixture of egg yolks, sugar, and milk. Over time, the Chinese adapted the recipe and created their own version, which became the egg tarts that we know and love today.
Different Variations of Egg Tarts
There are two main types of egg tarts – Portuguese-style and Hong Kong-style. Portuguese-style egg tarts have a caramelized, burnt sugar top and a flaky crust that is made with lard. The filling is a custard made from egg yolks, sugar, cream, and sometimes cinnamon. Hong Kong-style egg tarts have a buttery, cookie-like crust and a smooth custard filling made from egg yolks, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Apart from these two main types, there are many other variations of egg tarts around the world. In Japan, they have a popular version called “purin” that is made with caramel and a creamier filling. In the Philippines, they have “pastel de nata,” which is a more substantial and savorer version of egg tarts made with puff pastry and filled with tuna, chicken, or pork.
How to Make Egg Tarts
Making egg tarts from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Hong Kong-style egg tarts:
Ingredients:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 140g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 80g powdered sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 140ml milk
- 60g granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a muffin tin with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, powdered sugar, egg yolks, and cold water. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out circles that are slightly larger than the muffin cups. Press the dough circles into the muffin cups.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the dough-lined muffin cups until they are about 80% full.
- Bake the egg tarts for 15-20 minutes or until the edges of the crust are golden brown.
- Remove the egg tarts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Conclusion
Egg tarts are a delightful dessert that has captured the hearts of people around the world. With their rich history and countless variations, there’s always something new to discover about this pastry. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or impress your friends with your baking skills, egg tarts are definitely worth a try.
