Crema catalana

A traditional serving of Crema Catalana

Crema Catalana is a traditional Catalan dessert, often considered the Spanish version of crème brûlée. It is a rich custard dessert topped with a layer of caramelized sugar.

History

Crema Catalana has a long history in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. It is traditionally served on Saint Joseph's Day (March 19), which is known as "Dia de Sant Josep" in Catalonia. This dessert has been enjoyed for centuries and is a staple in Catalan households.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Crema Catalana include:

• Milk
• Egg yolks
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Cinnamon
• Lemon or orange zest

Preparation

The preparation of Crema Catalana involves several steps:

1. Infusion: Milk is infused with cinnamon and citrus zest to impart flavor. 2. Custard: Egg yolks are whisked with sugar and cornstarch, then combined with the infused milk. 3. Cooking: The mixture is cooked over low heat until it thickens into a custard. 4. Chilling: The custard is poured into shallow dishes and chilled until set. 5. Caramelization: Before serving, sugar is sprinkled on top and caramelized using a torch or broiler.

Differences from Crème Brûlée

While Crema Catalana and crème brûlée are similar, there are notable differences:

• Base: Crema Catalana uses milk, whereas crème brûlée typically uses cream.
• Thickening agent: Crema Catalana is thickened with cornstarch, while crème brûlée relies on the egg yolks alone.
• Flavoring: Crema Catalana is flavored with cinnamon and citrus zest, whereas crème brûlée is often vanilla-flavored.

Serving

Crema Catalana is traditionally served in shallow terracotta dishes. The caramelized sugar on top provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy custard beneath.

Related pages

• Crème brûlée
• Catalan cuisine
• Spanish cuisine