Portugal may not have the most Christmassy climate, but it more than makes up for it with vibrant streetlights and mouthwatering Portuguese Christmas fare.
When the sweet displays at the neighborhood cafés change, you know Christmas is almost here. All of a sudden, fried dough pastries and Christmas cakes in every possible form and size fill the whole counter.
So, are you obsessed with sugar? Are you a big fan of desserts? If the response is in the affirmative, Portugal is a wonderful destination for you. Portuguese delicacies are well-known for their delectable flavors, traditional ingredient combinations, and decadent richness that honors the country's rich culinary heritage.
This culture places great importance on food, and desserts are no different. Everywhere you look, there are padarias (bakeries) and pastelarias (pastry stores) selling the most delectable desserts you can imagine. Which are the most popular Portuguese confections? Try some classic Portuguese Christmas delicacies this holiday season, whether you're spending Christmas in Portugal or just stopping by for a visit.
The Portuguese and Brazilian equivalent of French toast is called rabanada. It is prepared by slicing thick slices of round or oval stale bread, dipping them in milk (or milk, sugar, and vanilla), beating the eggs, frying them in oil, and then sprinkling them with cinnamon sugar.
Rabanada is therefore crunchier and sweeter than American french toast. Since Juan del Encina first mentioned rabanada in the 15th century, it has been associated with healing after childbirth. For this reason, rabanada is also commonly referred to as fatia parida or slices for the new mother.
In their most basic form, filhós are classic Portuguese pastries baked in the deep fryer using leavened dough. They are available in a wide range of regional variations that may vary in shape and frequently include various spices and ingredients, such as orange juice or pumpkin.
They are normally fried and then coated in cinnamon sugar, or occasionally dipped in brown sugar syrup in the Algarve. Filhós are relished all year round, despite the fact that they are frequently linked to Christmas. In certain areas, the spherical Portuguese-style doughnuts known as malasadas may be referred to as filhós.
Azevia is a distinctive half-moon-shaped fried pastry from the Alentejo area of Portugal. In certain versions, orange juice is also added to the pastry. Azevias can be filled with a wide range of sweet ingredients, most often beans, sweet potatoes, doce de gila (a kind of squash), and chickpeas. Occasionally, almonds are added to the filling to improve its flavor and texture.
It's possible that the term "azevia" was inspired by a particular kind of flat fish because of their similar shapes. Azevias were packed with cotton and utilized in lighthearted Carnival pranks, in addition to their history as a treat for special occasions.
Traditionally made and enjoyed over the Christmas holidays, from December 25 to January 6, Bolo Rei, also known as King's cake, is a classic Portuguese delicacy. Usually decorated with crystallized sugar, almonds, and dried fruits, this circular cake with a hole in the center is delicious. The cake arrived in Portugal in the 19th century, despite its French origins.
Portuguese traditional cake Bolo-Rainha, which translates as "Queen Cake" in English, is closely connected to the more widely recognized Bolo Rei, or "King Cake." It is particularly well-liked during Christmas and on January 6th, when people celebrate the Epiphany (Dia de Reis).
Bolo-Rainha, which has a brioche-like texture like Bolo Rei, is baked using a dense, sweet dough. But the main areas of variation are in the toppings and fillings. Bolo-Rainha usually eschews the candied fruits that distinguish Bolo Rei in favor of a greater emphasis on nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and occasionally hazelnuts.
It also consists of dried fruits like sultanas or raisins. Bolo-Rainha's top is sprinkled with a lot of nuts, which gives it a different look from Bolo Rei's vibrant candied fruit topping. Similar to Bolo Rei, Bolo-Rainha is frequently made with a secret surprise within, such as a fava bean or a little gift.