The traditional South African dish, melktert tartlets, and a recipe

South African cuisine is known for its rich diversity and vibrant flavors. One beloved dessert that holds a special place in South African hearts is melktert, a traditional milk tart. This delightful treat features a delicate pastry crust filled with a creamy, cinnamon-infused custard. In recent years, melktert tartlets have gained popularity, offering a bite-sized version of this classic dessert. In this article, we delve into the history of melktert and share a delicious recipe for melktert tartlets that will transport you to the heart of South African cuisine.

The History of Melktert:
Melktert, meaning “milk tart” in Afrikaans, has its roots in Dutch and Malay culinary traditions. Dutch settlers brought their love for pastries and custard-based desserts to South Africa during the colonial era. Over time, local influences shaped the recipe, resulting in the uniquely South African melktert we know today. The dish became a staple in South African households, cherished for its comforting flavors and nostalgic charm.

The Appeal of Melktert Tartlets:
Melktert tartlets offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert, presenting the same indulgent flavors in a miniature format. These bite-sized treats are perfect for gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. The smaller size allows for easy portioning and makes them an attractive addition to any dessert spread.

Melktert Tartlets Recipe:

Ingredients:
For the Pastry:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon ice water (if needed)

For the Filling:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the pastry. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Beat the egg separately, then add it to the flour mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. If needed, add a tablespoon of ice water to bind the dough. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cinnamon stick over medium heat until just below boiling. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes to infuse the milk with cinnamon flavor. Remove the cinnamon stick.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and cornstarch until well combined. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
6. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly.
7. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Cut out circles using a round cookie cutter that fits your tartlet molds.
8. Line the tartlet molds with the pastry circles, pressing them gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough. Prick the bottoms of the pastry with a fork to prevent them from puffing up during baking.
9. Fill each pastry shell with the cooled custard filling, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Place the tartlet molds on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the custard is set.
10. Remove from the oven and let the tartlets cool completely in the molds. Once cooled, carefully remove the tartlets from the molds and dust the tops with ground cinnamon.
11. Serve the melktert tartlets at room temperature or chilled. They can be enjoyed as is or garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Melktert tartlets are a delightful embodiment of South African culinary heritage, offering a sweet and comforting taste of tradition in a convenient bite-sized form. This classic dessert has stood the test of time and continues to captivate dessert lovers with its creamy custard filling and delicate pastry crust. By following the simple recipe provided, you can recreate the magic of melktert tartlets and indulge in the flavors of South Africa from the comfort of your own kitchen.