Crema Catalana is a traditional Catalan dessert renowned for its creamy, sweet, and aromatic qualities. Often compared to the French crème brûlée, Crema Catalana has its unique regional twist in both ingredients and preparation.
Crema Catalana, a beloved dessert from Catalonia in northeastern Spain, is a rich and velvety custard topped with a crispy layer of caramelized sugar. This delightful treat combines the smoothness of milk, egg yolks, and sugar with the aromatic notes of cinnamon and lemon peel. The result is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, with a luscious custard base and a crunchy, caramelized topping.
Crema Catalana has its roots deeply embedded in Catalan culture, often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations. While it bears a resemblance to crème brûlée, the Catalan version distinguishes itself with a unique flavor profile. Its preparation is a cherished tradition in many Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico and Colombia, where it is referred to as "natilla."
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon peel
- Granulated sugar for caramelizing
Method
1. Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk with the cinnamon stick and lemon peel until it reaches a boil. Remove from heat and let it infuse for 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the egg mixture to the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Cook Custard: Return the saucepan to medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Cool: Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel. Pour the custard into individual ramekins.
6. Chill: Let the ramekins cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Caramelize Sugar: Just before serving, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top of each ramekin. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden-brown layer.
Notes
- For a different flavor, you can substitute the cinnamon stick with a vanilla bean.
- Stir constantly while heating the custard to ensure a smooth consistency.
- If a kitchen torch isn't available, you can caramelize the sugar under a broiler.
Nutrition Value:
1. 4 cups milk
- Calories: 296 (per cup)
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams (per cup)
- Protein: 16 grams (per cup)
- Fat: 16 grams (per cup)
- Sodium: 98 milligrams (per cup)
- Cholesterol: 49 milligrams (per cup)
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin D and B12
- Minerals: Good source of calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential nutrients for bone health and muscle function.
2. 6 egg yolks
- Calories: 330 (total for 6 yolks)
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram (total for 6 yolks)
- Protein: 18 grams (total for 6 yolks)
- Fat: 30 grams (total for 6 yolks)
- Sodium: 180 milligrams (total for 6 yolks)
- Cholesterol: 1080 milligrams (total for 6 yolks)
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin A, D, and E
- Minerals: Contains iron and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein and essential fatty acids, supports eye health and immune function.
3. 1 cup sugar
- Calories: 774
- Carbohydrates: 200 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy but lacks essential nutrients.
4. 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 14 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Used as a thickening agent; provides minimal nutritional value.
5. 1 cinnamon stick
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1.6 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains trace amounts of Vitamin K
- Minerals: Contains manganese and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Offers antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
6. 1 lemon peel
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1.7 grams
- Protein: 0.1 grams
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains potassium and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides Vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
7. Granulated sugar for caramelizing
- Calories: Variable, depending on amount used
- Carbohydrates: 100% sugar
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Primarily used for flavor; does not offer significant nutritional benefits.
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