20 Recipe For Portuguese Desserts Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 11, 2024
Portuguese cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse influences, and their desserts are no exception. These delectable treats are a reflection of Portugal's history and culture, incorporating ingredients like spices, fruits, and nuts. From creamy custards to crispy pastries, Portuguese desserts offer a unique and delicious experience. In this article, we will share a recipe for one of the most popular Portuguese desserts, Pasteis de Nata, or Portuguese custard tarts.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Oranges, All
First up on our list is a delectable Portuguese Orange Cake. This dessert is sure to impress with its moist and citrusy flavor. The key to this recipe is using fresh orange juice and zest, giving it a burst of tangy sweetness. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect ending to any meal.
Next on the list is a classic Portuguese dessert - the egg tart. This creamy and custardy pastry is a staple in Portugal and is sure to become a favorite in your household too. Made with a crispy puff pastry crust and a rich egg custard filling, these tarts are a must-try for any pastry lover.
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Portuguese Sweet Rice Dessert
Main Ingredients: Milk, Rice, Sugar, Cinnamon Stick, Cinnamon, Lemon, Egg
If you have a sweet tooth, you will love this Portuguese Sweet Rice Dessert. It's a simple, yet delicious dish made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. The rice is cooked until it becomes thick and creamy, then topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a burst of flavor. It's the perfect comfort food on a cold day.
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Lavadores (Washboard Cookies) Portuguese Dessert
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Lemon, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt
For a unique and fun dessert, try making Lavadores, also known as Washboard Cookies. These cookies get their name from their distinctive pattern that resembles a washboard. They are made with a simple dough that is pressed into a special mold and then baked to perfection. A great treat to make with kids!
If you can't get enough of egg tarts, here's another recipe to add to your list. These Portuguese Egg Tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg custard filling. They are best served warm and can be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or a sweet snack.
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Sericaia ‘Portuguese sweet’
Main Ingredients: Milk, Lemon, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Eggs, Cinnamon
Sericaia, also known as Portuguese Sweet, is a traditional dessert from the Alentejo region of Portugal. It's a soft and spongy cake made with eggs, sugar, and flour, and is typically served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. This dessert is perfect for those who love a light and airy treat.
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Portuguese Coconut ›Custard Tarts
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Milk, Sweetened Shredded Coconut, Large
Another variation of the classic egg tart, these Portuguese Coconut Custard Tarts add a tropical twist to the traditional recipe. The flaky pastry is filled with a creamy coconut custard and topped with toasted coconut flakes for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Encharcada (Portuguese Soaked Eggs)
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Water, Cinnamon Stick, Egg Yolks
Encharcada, also known as Portuguese Soaked Eggs, is a decadent dessert that is sure to wow your taste buds. It's made with eggs, sugar, and milk, and then soaked in a sweet syrup made with orange juice and cinnamon. This dessert is rich and indulgent, perfect for special occasions.
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Portuguese Doughnuts (Felozes)
Main Ingredients: Water, Butter, Granulated White Sugar, All Purpose
Filhós, or Portuguese Doughnuts, are a popular street food in Portugal. These fried dough balls are light and airy, with a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior. They are often coated in sugar or drizzled with honey for a touch of sweetness. A must-try for any doughnut lover!
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Kuejadas (Portuguese Tart)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Margarine, Eggs, Flour, Condensed Milk, Milk
Kuejadas, also known as Portuguese Tarts, are a creamy and delicate dessert that is sure to impress. They are made with a simple custard filling and a flaky pastry crust. The key to the perfect Kuejadas is to bake them until they have a golden brown top and a soft and creamy center.
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Arroz Doce (Portuguese rice pudding)
Main Ingredients: Arborio Rice, Boiling Water, Lemon, Whole Milk, Sugar
Arroz Doce, or Portuguese Rice Pudding, is a classic dessert that is loved by many. Made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, this pudding is rich and creamy, with a hint of spice. It's often served at special occasions, but can also be enjoyed as a comforting dessert on any day.
Pastéis de Nata, also known as Portuguese Custard Tarts, are a must-try for any dessert lover. These tarts have a crispy and flaky pastry crust, filled with a creamy and custardy filling. The secret to these tarts is to bake them at a high temperature, giving them a caramelized and slightly burnt top for a unique and rich flavor.
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Portuguese milk doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Milk, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking
If you love doughnuts, you have to try this Portuguese Milk Doughnut recipe. These doughnuts are soft and fluffy, with a subtle milky flavor. They are often topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or sugar for a touch of sweetness. A delicious treat that is perfect for any time of the day.
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Portuguese Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Flour, Baking Powder
For a simple and tasty snack, try making these Portuguese Biscuits. They are a buttery and crumbly treat, perfect for dipping into your morning coffee or tea. They are also great for adding to a cheese platter or enjoying on their own as a light snack.
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Portuguese Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Egg Yolks, Sugar, Flour
If you're in the mood for something light and fluffy, this Portuguese Sponge Cake is the perfect choice. Made with eggs, sugar, and flour, this cake is airy and moist, with a delicate texture. It's often served with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
For a twist on the classic rice pudding, try making this Portuguese Rice Pudding. It's made with a combination of rice, milk, and coconut milk, giving it a creamy and tropical flavor. It's often topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra burst of spice.
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Portuguese Porridge (Papas)
Main Ingredients: Milk, Sugar, Flour, Salt, Ground Cinnamon, Egg Yolk
Papas, also known as Portuguese Porridge, is a hearty and comforting breakfast dish that is sure to keep you full until lunchtime. It's made with oats, milk, and honey, and often topped with fresh fruit for added flavor and nutrition. A great way to start your day!
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Portuguese Lemon Cookies
Main Ingredients: White Flour, Granulated Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Lemon
For a refreshing and zesty treat, make these Portuguese Lemon Cookies. They are a crispy and buttery cookie with a burst of lemon flavor in every bite. They are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a light and tasty dessert.
These Portuguese Tarts are a twist on the classic egg tart. They are made with a crispy puff pastry crust and a sweet and creamy custard filling, with the addition of a sprinkle of cinnamon and a splash of brandy for a unique and delicious flavor. A must-try for any pastry lover!
Last but not least, we have another variation of the classic Portuguese Custard Tart. These tarts are slightly different, as they are made with a puff pastry crust and a creamy custard filling that is then caramelized in the oven, giving it a crispy and caramelized top. A mouth-watering dessert that is sure to impress!
The History of Pasteis de Nata
The Origin
Pasteis de Nata, also known as Portuguese custard tarts, have a long and interesting history. They were created in the early 19th century by Catholic monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal. At that time, monasteries and convents used egg whites to starch their clothes, leaving them with a surplus of egg yolks. The monks were resourceful and decided to use the egg yolks to make a custard filling for their pastries. The result was a delicious dessert that became popular throughout Portugal.
The Rise to Fame
In the 1830s, a nearby bakery, Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, began selling these custard tarts to the public. They quickly became a hit and have been a staple in Portuguese bakeries ever since. The bakery still operates today and is known for its secret recipe, which has been passed down through generations.
The Recipe for Pasteis de Nata
Ingredients
To make Pasteis de Nata, you will need:
1 sheet of puff pastry
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon and powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 circles that fit into a muffin tin.
Press the pastry into the tin, making sure to cover the sides.
In a saucepan, heat the milk, cream, and sugar until it starts to simmer.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, cornstarch, and vanilla extract together.
Slowly add the egg mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the custard thickens.
Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Spoon the custard into the pastry shells and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the custard is set and the pastry is golden brown.
Let the tarts cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy!
Now that you have the recipe, you can make these delicious Portuguese custard tarts at home. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a sweet treat, Pasteis de Nata are sure to impress. These Portuguese desserts are a perfect combination of creamy custard and flaky pastry, making them a crowd favorite. So go ahead and try your hand at this authentic Portuguese recipe and indulge in a taste of Portugal's culinary history.