Imagine a delectable masterpiece in the world of Portuguese pastries, born from the creativity of monks at the Jerónimos Monastery. This culinary treasure, known as “Pastel de Nata,” draws its inspiration from the sacred surroundings of the convent.
The journey begins within the hallowed walls of the Jerónimos Monastery, where inventive monks crafted a recipe that would soon become legendary. Their creation, christened “Pastel de Belém,” is an exclusive offering from the renowned Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon. The key ingredients include eggs, milk, sugar, a hint of lemon, and a touch of cinnamon, blending together to create this delightful treat.
In 2011, Pastel de Belém received a prestigious accolade, being honored as one of the “7 Wonders of Portuguese Gastronomy.” Fast forward to 2023, and it continues to reign supreme in the world of pastries, leading the charts in the “pastry” category on the TasteAtlas website.
Now, let’s delve into the fascinating history of this culinary gem.
Picture the year 1837, in the enchanting district of Belém, nestled near the Jerónimos Monastery. Facing financial challenges, the monks of the monastery decided to share their custard tarts with the world, hoping to make a living. During this time, Belém and Lisbon were separate entities, connected by steamboat transportation. The allure of the Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower attracted countless tourists, contributing to the fame of these custard tarts.
As history unfolded, the winds of change swept across Portugal. In 1834, following the liberal revolution, the monastery closed its doors. The secret recipe passed into the hands of Domingos Rafael Alves, a Portuguese entrepreneur returning from Brazil. Remarkably, his descendants have safeguarded this culinary legacy ever since.
The humble beginnings of Pastel de Nata saw the custard tarts sold in a sugar refinery near the Jerónimos Monastery. However, in 1837, a new chapter began as facilities were established in an adjacent space, eventually transformed into a charming pastry shop known as “A antiga confeitaria de Belém.” It was there that both the original recipe and the name “Pastéis de Belém” became cherished trademarks, forever etching this delightful treat into history.
Join us in Portugal and learn how to make one of this sweet masterpieces in one of our workshops where family environment is key.
