miamijaialai.org – Tarta de Santiago is a traditional Spanish cake that originates from the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert, characterized by its dense, almond-flavored cake and its dusting of powdered sugar, often topped with the Cross of Santiago, a symbol of the region.
Key Ingredients and Flavors
The key ingredients in Tarta de Santiago are:
- Almonds: Ground almonds provide the cake with its distinctive flavor and texture.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s rich, creamy texture.
- Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the almonds.
- Flour: A small amount of flour is used to provide structure to the cake.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest brightens the flavor of the cake.
The Baking Process
The cake batter is typically poured into a round baking pan and baked until golden brown. Once cooled, it is dusted with powdered sugar and often decorated with the Cross of Santiago.
A Cultural Significance
Tarta de Santiago is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of Galician culture and history. The Cross of Santiago, a symbol of the Order of Santiago, is often associated with the region’s rich heritage.