Delectable Catalan Custard
Delectable Catalan Custard is a sublime Spanish dessert reminiscent of crèmed brûlée, enriched by fragrant hints of cinnamon and zesty lemon. This traditional dessert hails from the Catalonia region of Spain and is a beloved treat, especially during the springtime celebrations of St. Joseph's Day, also known as Father's Day in some cultures. With its creamy, velvety texture and a crunchy caramelized sugar crust, each spoonful melts in your mouth, offering a delightful balance of flavors. Not only is it a splendid ending to any meal, but it also allows for convenient make-ahead preparation, requiring a chilling time of just 2-3 hours. Enjoy this irresistible dessert warm or chilled, but we recommend savoring it right out of the broiler for an unforgettable experience.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 cup (divided, with 3/4 cup for the custard and 1/4 cup for caramelizing)
Egg Yolks
4 (beaten)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tbsp of cold milk)
Cinnamon Stick
1 (whole)
Lemon Rind
1/2 (grated)
Milk
2 cups (whole, warmed)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pot, vigorously beat together the egg yolks and 3/4 cup of the sugar until the mixture is well combined and frothy.
2
Add the cinnamon stick and grated lemon rind to the egg mixture for additional flavor.
3
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold milk, stirring until smooth; then, incorporate this mixture back into the remaining milk in the pot.
4
Gradually pour the milk mixture into the pot with the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously.
5
Heat the mixture slowly over medium-low heat, continually stirring until it thickens slightly. Be cautious; as soon as you feel the mixture begin to resist your stir, remove the pot from the heat to prevent curdling.
6
Remove the cinnamon stick from the thickened mixture and ladle it into 4 individual ramekins, filling them evenly.
7
Let the ramekins cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2-3 hours or overnight for the best results.
8
Before serving, preheat your broiler to high.
9
Take the ramekins out of the refrigerator, and evenly sprinkle the remaining sugar over the top of each custard.
10
Once the broiler is hot, carefully place the ramekins on the top shelf, allowing the sugar to melt and turn a rich golden brown. This should take about 10 minutes; keep a close eye to avoid burning.
11
Remove from the broiler and serve immediately. While the custards can be served chilled, the warm, caramelized sugar crust offers a delightful contrast to the creamy custard beneath.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
20g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delectable Catalan Custard?
It is a traditional Spanish dessert from the Catalonia region, similar to crème brûlée, known for its creamy texture and caramelized sugar crust.
What are the primary flavors in this custard?
This dessert is flavored with fragrant cinnamon and zesty lemon rind.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 150 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 6.25 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dessert provide?
One serving provides 4.5 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this dish?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any fiber in Catalan Custard?
No, this dessert contains no fiber.
When is this dessert traditionally served?
It is traditionally served during springtime celebrations for St. Joseph's Day in Spain.
How many egg yolks are required?
The recipe calls for 4 beaten egg yolks.
What type of milk should be used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of warmed whole milk.
How much sugar is needed in total?
A total of 1 cup of sugar is used, divided for different steps.
How is the sugar divided in the recipe?
Use 3/4 cup for the custard base and reserve 1/4 cup for the caramelized topping.
What is used as a thickening agent?
One tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold milk acts as the thickener.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The instructions indicate the mixture should be ladled into 4 individual ramekins.
How long does the custard need to chill?
The custard needs to refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for best results.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
While it can be served chilled, it is best enjoyed immediately after broiling while the crust is warm.
How do you create the caramelized crust?
Sprinkle sugar over the chilled custard and place under a high broiler for about 10 minutes.
How do you prepare the lemon for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 of a lemon's rind to be grated.
Is the cinnamon left in the final dish?
No, the whole cinnamon stick is removed after the mixture has thickened.
What should the texture of the custard be?
The custard should have a creamy, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
How do you prevent the custard from curdling?
Heat the mixture slowly over medium-low heat and remove it immediately if you feel resistance while stirring.
What is the first step in making the custard?
Vigorously beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of sugar until the mixture is frothy.
Can this dessert be made in advance?
Yes, it is a convenient make-ahead dessert that can be refrigerated overnight.
What equipment is needed for the topping?
A broiler is used to melt and brown the sugar on the top shelf of the oven.
What color should the caramelized sugar be?
The sugar should turn a rich golden brown color.
What is another name for this dessert?
It is also known as Crema Catalana.
Are the egg yolks beaten with milk?
No, the egg yolks are initially beaten with sugar before adding other ingredients.
Is the milk added all at once?
The milk mixture is poured gradually into the egg yolk mixture while stirring continuously.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 6 main ingredients.
Does this recipe include salt?
No, there is no salt listed in the ingredients for this recipe.