Brasileiro Nut Pastry

Ingredients

• 250 gflour
• 150 gnuts — chopped
• 100 gbutter
• 100 gsugar
• 1egg

Method

1. Begin by bringing the egg and butter to room temperature. This ensures that they will mix smoothly into the dough, creating a uniform texture. Set them out on the counter for about 30 minutes before starting the recipe.
2. In a food processor, combine 150 g of nuts with 100 g of sugar. Pulse until the nuts are finely ground and well mixed with the sugar, creating a sandy texture. This mixture will add both flavor and texture to the pastry.
3. In a large mixing bowl, sift 250 g of flour. Add the ground nut and sugar mixture to the flour, stirring with a whisk to ensure even distribution. This step helps to prevent clumps and ensures that the nuts are evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
4. Cut 100 g of room temperature butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This technique creates a flaky texture in the final pastry.
5. Crack the room temperature egg into the flour and butter mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix until a dough begins to form. Once the dough starts coming together, use your hands to gently knead it into a smooth ball. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up, which helps the pastry maintain its shape during baking.
7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 5 mm thickness. Cut into desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges of the pastries are golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. The pastries should feel firm to the touch and have a nutty aroma. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
9. Finish by sprinkling a little extra sugar on top if desired, and serve the pastries at room temperature. This allows the flavors to fully develop and makes them perfect for sharing at a Brazilian home table.