Pan De Polvo(Sand Tarts)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: Latin American

Deliciously flaky sand tarts with aromatic cinnamon and anise, featuring a rich lard base and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, perfect for festive occasions or teatime treats.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 c. flour
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 lb. pure lard
  • 1 small pkg. cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 c. strong tea of anise and cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp. anise seed
  • 1/2 to 1 c. water

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl.
  2. Add lard and mix well until combined.
  3. Simmer tea with cinnamon sticks for about 15 minutes, then incorporate into the dough.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball, then slightly flatten it.
  5. Bake for about 12 minutes until golden.
  6. While hot, roll the baked tarts in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half lard in place of pure lard. If you prefer, you can substitute the strong tea with brewed chamomile for a different flavor profile. Make sure to roll the dough out evenly to ensure uniform baking. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help maintain its shape during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Pan De Polvo pair beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or tea. You can also serve them alongside a fruity slaw for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar just before serving, or offer a side of Pumpkin Ketchup(A Trinidad Special) for dipping.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Sand Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pan De Polvo(Sand Tarts) contains roughly 1190 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value) and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

1190 kcal 60% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 115.1g 100% DV
Carbs 35.3g 13% DV
Fiber 3.3g 12% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 482.1mg 21% DV
Potassium 224.2mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 107.7mg 36% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.3mcg
Vitamin C 12.6mg 14% DV
Vitamin D 2.8mcg 14% DV
Calcium 331.1mg 25% DV
Iron 5.1mg 28% DV
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fat instead of lard?

Yes, you can substitute lard with butter or a vegan alternative. Keep in mind that using butter will alter the flavor slightly, making it richer, while vegan options may change the texture. Adjust the amount of water as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.

How can I achieve a more intense cinnamon flavor?

To enhance the cinnamon flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough or increase the simmering time of the cinnamon sticks in the tea. Additionally, rolling the tarts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking will add extra flavor.

What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough is crumbly, gradually add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together. Make sure not to overmix, as this can lead to tough tarts. If you find the dough too sticky, you can sprinkle a bit more flour to help manage it.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →