Indulge in the rich flavors of Spain with our exquisite Galician Tarta de Santiago recipe. Originating from the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, this almond cake embodies centuries of tradition and culture. Made with finely ground almonds, eggs, sugar, and hints of citrus zest, each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Topped with the iconic St. James cross powdered with confectioners' sugar, this dessert not only delights the palate but also pays homage to the pilgrimage routes of the Camino de Santiago. Whether enjoyed as a sweet finale to a meal or shared with loved ones during festive gatherings, our Tarta de Santiago promises to transport you to the heart of Galicia with every delightful slice.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 250g (about 2 cups) ground almonds
• 250g (about 1 1/4 cups) granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Butter and flour, for greasing the pan

For the topping:

• Confectioners' sugar
• Stencil or cut-out of St. James cross (optional)

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan with butter and dust it with flour, tapping out any excess flour.

2- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy.

3- Gradually fold in the ground almonds, lemon zest, orange zest, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Be gentle to maintain the airiness of the mixture.

4- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

5- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7- Once the cake has cooled, place the St. James cross stencil or cut-out on top of the cake and dust generously with confectioners' sugar to create the iconic design. If you don't have a stencil, you can simply dust the entire top of the cake with confectioners' sugar.

8- Slice the Tarta de Santiago and serve at room temperature. Enjoy this delicious traditional dessert from Galicia with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine.

Note: The Tarta de Santiago can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Values :

Ground Almonds (250g):

• Calories: 1600 kcal
• Total Fat: 140g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 30g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 60g

benefits

• Rich in healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Excellent source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• High in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Granulated Sugar (250g):

• Calories: 1000 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 250g
• Sugars: 250g
• Protein: 0g

benefits

• Provides a quick source of energy.
• Adds sweetness and enhances flavor in baked goods.
• Used in moderation, it can contribute to the enjoyment of food and mood enhancement.

Eggs (6 large):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 1260mg
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 36g

benefits

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium.
• Contains choline, a nutrient important for brain health and development.

Lemon Zest (1 lemon):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits

• Adds bright, citrusy flavor to dishes.
• Contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
• May aid in digestion and promote healthy skin.

Orange Zest (1 orange):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 0g

benefits

• mparts a fresh, citrus aroma and flavor to foods.
• Good source of vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin health.
• Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits

• Adds warmth and depth of flavor to recipes.
• Contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.
• May help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and preparation methods. Additionally, the nutritional values are per serving and may differ depending on the serving size.