At the heart of Galician culinary tradition, the Santiago Cake stands as an emblem of deep-rooted flavors. Without seeking grandiose fascinations, we discover a recipe that has endured through the centuries.
Historical Roots of the Santiago Cake
With origins dating back to the Middle Ages, this delight intertwines with the history of Santiago de Compostela and the Camino. The Santiago cross that adorns the cake is more than a detail. It’s a reminder of pilgrimages and spirituality.
Essential Ingredients, Unmistakable Flavor
Instead of grand descriptions, we focus on the modest yet powerful combination of almonds, sugar, and eggs. Ground almonds bring a unique texture and flavor, while the icing sugar cross of Santiago completes the recipe with elegance and simplicity.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200 g ground almonds
- 200 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 100 g wheat flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Butter and flour for greasing the mold
- For the Topping:
- Icing sugar
- A Santiago cross stencil
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a circular mold of about 24 cm in diameter with butter and flour.
- In a bowl, mix the ground almonds with sugar and lemon zest.
- Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each egg is well integrated before adding the next.
- In another bowl, sift the flour with baking powder and add it to the almond and egg mixture. Stir until you get a homogeneous batter.
- Pour the batter into the mold and smooth it with a spatula.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, place the Santiago cross stencil on the surface and generously sprinkle with icing sugar.
- Carefully remove the stencil, leaving the marked cross on the cake.
And there you have it! An authentic and delicious Santiago Cake, ready to be enjoyed. This recipe honors Galician tradition and is perfect to accompany a good coffee or tea.
In summary, the Santiago Cake doesn’t need exaggerated embellishments to highlight its importance in Galician pastry. Its charm lies in its simplicity, historical roots, and the pleasure it offers with each slice. Ready to explore the flavors of a centennial tradition? Enjoy the Santiago Cake and immerse yourself in the culinary legacy of Galicia.
Bon appétit!
