Tigeladas - Portuguese Custard Pudding

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 500ml (2 cups) whole milk 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
• 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Butter, for greasing the ramekins Butter, for greasing the ramekins

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 32g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. 3.
   Grease individual ramekins with butter and pour the custard mixture evenly into each ramekin.
4. 4.
   Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
5. 5.
   Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops are golden brown.
6. 6.
   Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature.
7. 7.
   Once cooled, refrigerate the Tigeladas for at least 2 hours before serving.
8. 8.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggs — Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before whisking them with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and even custard texture.
• Milk — Using whole milk will result in a creamier and richer custard. Avoid using low-fat or skim milk as it may affect the texture and flavor.
• Lemon zest — Grate the lemon zest finely to infuse the custard with a subtle citrus flavor. Be careful not to include the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
• To add a touch of warmth, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top of the custard before baking.
• Serve the Tigeladas with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra indulgence.
• Experiment with different citrus zests, such as orange or lime, to create variations of this classic dessert.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the custard mixture before pouring it into the ramekins to remove any lumps or air bubbles.

Serving advice

Serve the chilled Tigeladas in the individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color. Accompany the custard with a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, you can serve the Tigeladas in decorative ceramic ramekins or small glass bowls. Drizzle a caramel sauce or fruit coulis on the plate before placing the custard on top for an artistic touch. Add a few fresh berries or a mint leaf as a final garnish.