Barcelona is a city known for its rich culinary traditions and diverse gastronomy. From tapas to seafood, there is no shortage of delicious dishes to try. However, when it comes to desserts, there is one that stands out as the most popular in Barcelona – Crema Catalana.
What is Crema Catalana?
Crema Catalana is a traditional Catalan dessert that dates back centuries. It is often compared to the French crème brûlée due to its similar creamy texture and caramelized sugar topping. However, Crema Catalana has its own unique flavors and ingredients that set it apart.
Ingredients
To make this delectable dessert, you will need the following ingredients:
- Milk: 500ml
- Sugar: 100g
- Egg yolks: 6
- Cornstarch: 30g
- Lemon peel: 1 strip (optional)
- Cinnamon stick: 1 (optional)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Preparation
To prepare Crema Catalana, follow these simple steps:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk along with the lemon peel and cinnamon stick over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture while continuously whisking.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or impurities.
- Pour the Crema Catalana into individual serving dishes and let them cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the desserts for at least 2 hours to allow them to set.
Serving
When serving Crema Catalana, there is one final step that adds an extra layer of delight. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over each dessert. Then, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust on top.
Tips and Variations
- Flavor Variations: While vanilla is the traditional flavor, you can experiment with different extracts such as almond or orange for a unique twist.
- Garnish: To enhance the visual appeal of your Crema Catalana, you can garnish it with fresh berries or mint leaves.
- Sugar Crust Alternatives: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can achieve a similar effect by placing the desserts under a broiler for a few minutes. However, make sure to keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
In conclusion, Crema Catalana is undoubtedly Barcelona’s most popular dessert. Its creamy texture combined with the caramelized sugar crust creates a heavenly combination that locals and tourists alike cannot resist.
So why not try making this delightful dessert yourself? Your taste buds will thank you!