Pudim de Leite

pudim_de_leite

Portuguese cuisine is rich in many traditional dishes that have stood the test of time. One of the most popular and beloved sweet treats is Pudim de Leite, or milk pudding. It is a staple dessert in households across Portugal, and its origins can be traced back to the country’s colonial past. The dessert is also commonly found in Latin American countries and is known as Flan.

Pudim de Leite is a type of custard that’s made with a combination of fresh milk, sugar, and eggs. The dessert has a creamy texture, and the egg yolks give it a slightly thick and silky consistency. Some recipes call for a dash of vanilla extract or lemon zest to add extra flavor to the pudding. The key to making a perfect Pudim de Leite is to cook it slowly and to use a water bath to prevent the custard from curdling.

This Portuguese dessert is a unique and delicious blend of flavors and textures that make it so special. There’s a simple elegance to it that makes it the perfect finishing touch to any meal. It’s also an incredibly versatile dessert that can be served on its own or paired with fresh fruit or whipped cream.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks. You don’t need any fancy equipment or special skills. All you need is a few basic ingredients and some patience.

To start, you’ll need a few tools: a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a medium saucepan, a heatproof spoon, a 9-inch cake pan, and an ovenproof dish large enough to hold the cake pan. You’ll also need the following ingredients: 2 cups of whole milk, 4 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt until well combined. Slowly pour in the hot milk, whisking constantly to combine. Be careful to pour the milk slowly to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Once the milk and egg mixture are well combined, pour it into the cake pan. To prevent the custard from curdling, place the cake pan in an ovenproof dish that’s large enough to hold it. Then, carefully pour hot water into the dish until it comes up about halfway around the cake pan. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about an hour or until the custard is set.

When the pudding is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, run a knife around the edges of the cake pan and invert the pudding onto a serving platter. The pudding will be a beautiful golden caramel color with an incredibly smooth and creamy texture.

In conclusion, this Portuguese Pudim de Leite recipe is a classic dessert that’s worth trying out. It’s easy to make, and the results are always impressive. The pudding has a delicate yet rich flavor that will leave you wanting more. Serve it for dessert after dinner, or enjoy it on its own as a sweet snack. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, Pudim de Leite is a dessert that will never disappoint.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of water

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. In a mixing bowl, add the can of sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully combined.

  3. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved.

  4. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to high and allow the mixture to come to a boil.

  5. Continue to boil the sugar mixture until it becomes a golden brown caramel color.

  6. Add the caramelized sugar to a 9 inch baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.

  7. Pour the milk and egg mixture over the caramel.

  8. Create a water bath by placing the baking dish into a larger baking dish or roasting pan. Pour boiling water around the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the dish with the pudding mixture.

  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the edges have formed a slightly golden color.

  10. Once the pudding is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.

  11. Once at room temperature, cover the pudding and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.

  12. To serve, gently run a knife around the edges of the pudding dish to loosen it. Place a plate upside down over the top of the pudding dish and turn it over to release the pudding.

  13. Serve and enjoy the delicious Portuguese Pudim de Leite!