History of Pasteis de Tentugal
Pasteis de Tentugal are a traditional Portuguese pastry with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. They originated in the village of Tentugal, located in the central region of Portugal.
The creation of Pasteis de Tentugal is attributed to a group of nuns from the Convent of Santa Maria de Tentugal. According to legend, the nuns were experimenting with different pastry recipes when they stumbled upon a combination that proved to be exceptionally delicious. The pastries quickly gained popularity among the local community and beyond.
Over the years, Pasteis de Tentugal became a symbol of the region and were often served at special occasions such as weddings, baptisms, and religious festivals. Their unique flavor and delicate texture made them a favorite among both locals and visitors alike.
Preparation of Pasteis de Tentugal
The preparation of Pasteis de Tentugal is a delicate process that requires careful attention to detail. Traditional recipes call for the following ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500g plain flour
- 100g sugar
- 100g butter, cold and cubed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 500g pumpkin puree
- 200g sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
For the dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
For the filling:
- In a large saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, egg yolks, cinnamon, cloves, lemon zest, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture has thickened and comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
For the pastries:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8-inch (3mm).
- Cut out circles of dough using a 3-inch (7.5cm) round cutter.
- Place the dough circles in a muffin tin lined with paper liners.
- Fill each pastry shell with the pumpkin filling.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade pumpkin puree.
- If you don’t have a round cutter, you can use a glass or cup to cut out the dough circles.
- Pasteis de Tentugal can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your delicious Pasteis de Tentugal!
