Safari Spoonful: South African Melktert

Milk Tart or as the Afrikaners call it Meltert is a creamy milky tart. It’s a bit like a custard pie, but more delicate, with a lighter texture. 

The ingredients are all readily available, and it doesn’t require a special occasion to serve. Your milk tart requires no fruit garnishes or other toppings, but for the perfect pairing, serve this sweet, creamy dessert with a cup of coffee. As they say in South Africa, Lekker Geniet!

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The Recipe

Cook Time: 35 min

Serves: 7

Ingredients

SUCRE PATEE (PASTRY CRUST)

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

• 9 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces

• 1 large egg yolk

MILK FILLING

• 2-1/4 cups milk

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp flour

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg or cinnamon

Instructions

PASTRY CRUST

1. Butter or spray a 9-inch pie pan with a removable bottom Set aside

2. Place flour, salt and sugar in a food processor pulse for a couple of times to mix ingredients.

3. Add butter and pulse until rough dough forms.

4. Add egg yolk - pulse until the dough just comes together.

5. Remove dough place on a work surface.

6. Lightly press the dough on the prepare pie pan working from the center up until the bottom and sides are fully covered with pastry.

7. Place pie pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or more. This helps prevent the dough from rising.

8. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and place rack in center of oven.

9. Bake crust for about 20 minutes or until the crust is dry and golden browned. Set aside.

MILK FILLING

1. Place saucepan over medium heat, add butter, nutmeg and milk. Bring to a boil and remove from the heat.

2. In another bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla and almond extract- whisk in eggs until smooth. Gently whisk into the saucepan until there are no lumps.

3. Return the pan back on the stove – keep stirring constantly until in starts to bubble.

4. Cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour mixture into the baked pastry shell and sprinkle with cinnamon. Chill until ready to be served.

If you’d like to experience a real Milk Tart in Africa, it’s widely served throughout Southern Africa.

Have a look at our beautiful selection of accommodations here or book a complimentary consultation to let Tett Safaris owner, Carolyn Tett, help you plan your safari.

Plan your Tett Safaris Expedition

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