Traditional South African Milk Tart Recipe

Traditional South African Milk Tart Recipe

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 100g butter
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 2 ½ cups milk
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the crust

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. In the meantime, combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. Add the butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Mix in the egg yolk and ice water, kneading gently to form a dough.
5. Roll out the dough and press it into a greased tart pan, ensuring the sides are fully covered.
6. Prick the base with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Lastly, let the crust cool while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan until it just begins to boil.
2. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornflour, and sugar.
3. Beat the eggs, then gradually add them to the dry ingredients, followed by the vanilla essence.
4. Next, slowly pour the heated milk into the mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
6. Finally, pour the filling into the baked tart shell.

Step 3: Garnish and serve

1. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of the tart.
2. Allow the tart to set for at least 2 hours in the fridge before serving.

Tips for Enjoying Milk Tart

Milk tart is best served chilled and can also be enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or even a side of fresh fruit like berries. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of rooibos tea, which adds a traditional South African touch to your tea-time experience. Whether as a comforting dessert or a delightful tea snack, this milk tart will surely evoke the warmth of South African heritage in every bite.