15 Best Recipe For Portuguese Malasadas They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 7, 2024
If you're a fan of fried dough, you've probably heard of malasadas - a traditional Portuguese treat that has become popular around the world. These fluffy, deep-fried balls of dough are often covered in sugar and filled with a variety of delicious fillings. While there are many variations of this tasty treat, we've searched far and wide for the best recipe for Portuguese malasadas . After much experimentation and taste-testing, we're excited to share our findings with you. So, get your frying pan ready and let's dive into the world of malasadas.
If you love seafood and bold flavors, then this Portuguese fish stew is a must-try. This hearty dish is filled with tender chunks of fish, potatoes, and vegetables, all simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. The secret to this dish is the addition of Portuguese spices like paprika and cumin, which give it a unique and delicious taste. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.
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Filhos – Malasadas – Portuguese Fried Dough
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, Butter, Lemon Zest, Milk
These Portuguese fried doughnuts are a popular dessert in Portugal and make for a delicious and indulgent treat. Known as filhos or malasadas, these doughnuts are made with a yeast-based dough that is deep-fried to golden perfection. They are then coated in sugar and can be filled with a variety of fillings, from fruit jam to custard or chocolate. These sweet treats are perfect for special occasions or as an after-dinner treat.
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Portuguese Doughnuts (Felozes)
Main Ingredients: Water, Butter, Granulated White Sugar, All Purpose
Felozes are another type of Portuguese doughnut that are popular in the country. These fried doughnuts are made with a simple batter of flour, milk, eggs, and sugar, and are flavored with lemon zest and vanilla. They are then deep-fried and coated in sugar, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy center. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful treat.
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Portuguese milk doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Milk, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking
These Portuguese milk doughnuts are a popular sweet treat in Portugal, especially during festivals and holidays. Made with a simple dough of flour, milk, eggs, and sugar, these doughnuts are deep-fried until golden and then coated in sugar. They are often served warm, making them even more irresistible. Make sure to make a big batch, as they tend to disappear quickly!
Caçoila, also known as Portuguese stewed beef, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for colder weather. This dish is made with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and vegetables, all simmered in a rich and savory broth. The addition of Portuguese spices and red wine gives this dish its distinctive flavor. Serve with rice or crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.
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Portuguese Orange Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Oranges, All
This Portuguese orange cake is a moist and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh orange juice and zest, this cake has a refreshing and citrusy flavor that is irresistible. It's also incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for when you want something sweet. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finish.
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Portuguese Chickpea Salad
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Yellow Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Fresh
This Portuguese chickpea salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for warmer weather. Made with chickpeas, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, this salad is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's also a great option for vegetarians and can be served as a main dish or as a side to your favorite grilled meats.
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Portuguese Doughnuts (Sonhos)
Main Ingredients: Water, Butter, Granulated White Sugar, All Purpose
Sonhos, which translates to "dreams" in English, are a type of Portuguese doughnut that are often served during the holiday season. These doughnuts are made with a yeast-based dough and are deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are then coated in sugar and can be filled with a variety of fillings, such as custard or chocolate. These indulgent treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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Sonhos | Portuguese Doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Salt, Water, All Purpose
Similar to the previous dish, these Sonhos are another type of Portuguese doughnut that are popular during the holiday season. Made with a yeast-based dough and deep-fried until golden and crispy, these doughnuts are then coated in sugar and can be filled with your choice of filling. They are a delicious and festive addition to any holiday spread.
This hearty and nutritious Portuguese kale soup is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. Made with kale, potatoes, beans, and sausage, this soup is full of flavors and textures. It's also a great option for a quick and easy meal, as it can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Serve with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
This dish of Portuguese beans with linguiça is a popular comfort food in Portugal. It's made with white beans, linguiça sausage, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth. The addition of smoked paprika gives this dish its unique and delicious taste. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This Portuguese egg tart is a classic dessert that is a must-try for any pastry lover. Made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy custard filling, these tarts are a delicious and indulgent treat. They are also surprisingly easy to make, so you can enjoy them anytime you have a craving for something sweet.
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Spicy Portuguese Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Large Shallot, Garlic, Olive Oil, Shrimp, White Wine
If you love spicy food, then this spicy Portuguese shrimp dish is a must-try. Made with tender shrimp, peri-peri sauce, and a variety of spices, this dish packs a punch of flavor and heat. It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and can be served over rice or with crusty bread.
This Portuguese baked fish dish is a delicious and healthy option that is perfect for any seafood lover. Made with your choice of fish, such as cod or haddock, and a flavorful tomato and onion sauce, this dish is full of flavor and nutrients. Serve with a side of vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Peri-peri Chicken, the Spicy Portuguese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chili, Garlic, Lemon, Paprika, Bay Leaf
If you're a fan of spicy food, then you have to try this peri-peri chicken, also known as spicy Portuguese chicken. This dish is made with a marinade of peri-peri sauce, garlic, and spices, which gives the chicken its delicious and fiery flavor. It's perfect for grilling or roasting and can be served with a variety of side dishes.
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Portuguese Style Baked Eggs
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic, Crushed Red
These Portuguese style baked eggs are a simple and delicious breakfast option that is perfect for a lazy weekend morning. Made with eggs, tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's also easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
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Portuguese Rolls – Papo Secos
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Warm
Papo secos, or Portuguese rolls, are a staple in Portuguese cuisine and are often served alongside meals. These rolls are made with a simple dough that is shaped into rounds and then baked until golden and crispy. They are perfect for sopping up sauces and gravies, or for making sandwiches. Make a batch of these rolls to have on hand for any meal.
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Portuguese Chicken and Crispy Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Potatoes, Marinade, Ancho Chilies, Smoked
This Portuguese chicken and crispy potatoes dish is a delicious and filling meal that is sure to become a family favorite. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful garlic and wine sauce, and then roasted until tender and juicy. The addition of crispy potatoes gives this dish an extra layer of texture and flavor. Serve with a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
This Portuguese shrimp Mozambique dish is a spicy and flavorful option that is perfect for seafood lovers. The shrimp is cooked in a rich and spicy sauce made with peri-peri sauce, beer, and a variety of spices. It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and can be served over rice or with crusty bread.
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Portuguese Style Parisienne Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic Salt, Paprika, Dried
These Portuguese style Parisienne potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish that will elevate any meal. These potatoes are first boiled and then roasted until crispy and golden. The addition of garlic and herbs gives them a flavorful and aromatic touch. Serve them alongside your favorite main dish for a satisfying and tasty meal.
The Secret to Making the Perfect Malasadas
If you've ever tried making malasadas at home, you may have noticed that they don't always turn out as light and fluffy as the ones you can buy from a bakery. The secret to achieving that perfect texture lies in the dough . While many recipes call for regular all-purpose flour, we highly recommend using bread flour for a more authentic and airy result. The high protein content in bread flour helps create a sturdy dough that can hold its shape during frying, giving you that trademark malasada puff.
The Importance of Resting the Dough
Another crucial step in achieving the perfect malasadas is to let the dough rest before frying. This allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking while frying. We recommend resting the dough for at least 2 hours , but if you have the time, overnight resting in the fridge will result in an even better texture.
The Perfect Frying Temperature
When it comes to frying malasadas, the right temperature is key. If the oil is too hot, the outside will cook too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked. On the other hand, if the oil is not hot enough, the malasadas will absorb too much oil and become greasy. The ideal temperature for frying is 375°F (190°C) . Use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil stays at this temperature throughout the frying process.
Don't Forget the Fillings
While plain malasadas are delicious on their own, adding a filling takes them to a whole new level. Traditional fillings include custard, chocolate, and fruit jams, but you can get creative and use your favorite flavors. Just make sure to let the malasadas cool slightly before filling them to avoid a messy and hot disaster.
The Finishing Touch: Sugar Coating
No malasada is complete without a generous coating of sugar. While granulated sugar is the traditional choice, you can also use powdered sugar or a mixture of both. To ensure an even coating, place the sugar in a shallow dish and roll the malasadas in it while they are still warm.
Now that you have the best recipe for Portuguese malasadas , it's time to put on your apron and start frying. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to create the perfect batch of malasadas that will impress even the most discerning taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and get ready for a delicious and satisfying treat that will transport you to the streets of Portugal.