Catalan cream, also known as “Crema Catalana,” is a traditional Spanish dessert similar to crème brûlée. It features a creamy custard base infused with flavors like cinnamon and lemon zest, topped with a caramelized sugar crust. Here’s a simple recipe to make Catalan cream:
Ingredients:
– 4 cups whole milk
– 6 large egg yolks
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– White sugar for caramelizing
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the milk, lemon zest, orange zest, and cinnamon stick. Heat over medium heat until the mixture just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let it sit for about 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly pale in color.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick from the milk mixture. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and place it over medium-low heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 10-15 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little bit of water to create a slurry. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the custard mixture and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the lemon zest, orange zest, and cinnamon stick. Pour the custard into individual ramekins or serving dishes. Let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled and set.
7. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of white sugar over the top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden-brown crust. Alternatively, you can place the custards under a broiler for a few minutes to caramelize the sugar.
8. Once caramelized, let the sugar harden for a minute or two before serving to allow it to form a crunchy crust.
9. Serve the Catalan cream immediately and enjoy the creamy custard with its caramelized sugar topping.
Catalan cream is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a creamy, indulgent treat with a hint of citrus and spice. Enjoy!