Tarta Galicia

Background and History

Tarta Galicia, also known as Tarta de Santiago, is a traditional cake that hails from the Spanish region of Galicia. This delicious almond cake has its origins dating back to the Middle Ages, and its name pays homage to Santiago de Compostela, the capital city of Galicia. Originally consumed by pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago, this cake is recognized by the cross of Saint James that decorates its top. Traditionally made with ground almonds, eggs, and sugar, the recipe has been passed down through generations, maintaining its status as a symbol of Galician heritage.

Ingredients

• Almonds - 250g ground
• Sugar - 250g
• Eggs - 5 large
• Lemon - zest of 1 lemon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Powdered sugar - for dusting
• Butter - for greasing

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). While the oven is heating, grease a 25cm springform cake pan with some butter to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Ground Almonds

If you are using whole almonds, grind them in a food processor until they are fine in texture. The almonds should resemble a coarse flour.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix them well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Zest the Lemon

Zest the lemon and add it to the almond mixture. Make sure to only use the yellow part of the skin, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Step 5: Beat the Eggs

Crack the eggs into a separate bowl, and beat them until they become frothy and pale in color. This can be achieved using a hand mixer for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the beaten eggs to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until a uniform batter is formed. Take care not to overmix as it can lead to a denser cake texture.

Cooking Process

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with the spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. A skewer inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean when it is done.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before decorating.

Step 9: Decorate with Cross of Saint James

Traditionally, a template of the Cross of Saint James is placed on top of the cake before dusting with powdered sugar. You can create a cross template using paper or a stencil. Position the stencil on the cake's surface and generously dust with powdered sugar using a sieve.

Enjoying Tarta Galicia

Tarta Galicia is best enjoyed once it has cooled to room temperature. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine to complement the rich almond flavors. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that highlights the rustic charm of traditional Galician cuisine. This cake also makes for a delightful gift, wrapped in parchment paper to share the warmth of Galician culture with loved ones.

For more accurate cooking timings, consider using a cooking timer to ensure your Tarta Galicia is baked to perfection.