Portuguese Ovos Moles: Unmissable Traditional Recipe
Portuguese Ovos Moles: Traditional and Delicious Recipe
Os Portuguese ovos moles are an irresistible classic of traditional Portuguese confectionery. This simple and flavorful sweet is basically made with eggs, sugar, and water, reflecting the Portuguese passion for desserts that highlight the purity of the ingredients.
The diversity of Portuguese sweets is vast, but ovos moles conquer the table anywhere in the country, whether as the main dessert or accompanying a coffee with a sweet and creamy touch. They also hold a special place in family recipes, passed down from mother to daughter, often tracing back to the notes of the nuns who created the famous conventual recipes.
History and Characteristics of Ovos Moles
This sweet owes its vibrant color to egg yolks slowly cooked in a thick sugar syrup. They can appear in different textures – creamier to be eaten with a spoon, or firm, to be used as filling in cakes, pies, almond cheese pastries, and especially in the traditional wafer molds typical of Aveiro, where ovos moles are a trademark.
My favorite recipe comes from free-range egg yolks, fresh from the backyard, which provide that intense yellow color and authentic flavor. It’s not a difficult recipe: just follow the step-by-step carefully to achieve an irresistible result.
Many people prefer cold ovos moles, like me, while others enjoy them warm or at room temperature. This versatility makes this sweet a great option for last-minute preparation, always ensuring a sophisticated homemade dessert.
Essential Ingredients for Portuguese Ovos Moles
The traditional recipe uses only three main ingredients: yolks, sugar, and water. However, some variations include subtle aromas such as:
- A cinnamon stick to scent the syrup
- Lemon peel for a delicate citrus touch
- Vanilla extract to enhance the flavor
When serving, sprinkling ground cinnamon is a simple option that can accompany the sweet, according to personal taste.
For best results, use refined sugar for better dissolution, although granulated sugar can also be used. The most important ingredient is the eggs: prefer free-range eggs, which are fresh and of superior quality.
A good ratio to prepare ovos moles is to use 1 yolk, 1 tablespoon of water, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. It is possible to reduce the sugar to 1½ tablespoons, but this will make the sweet less consistent.
Besides being delicious, this sweet is naturally gluten-free e lactose-free, ideal for various diets.
Step by Step: How to Prepare Portuguese Ovos Moles
Preparing ovos moles requires attention and delicacy, especially to avoid the yolks cooking too quickly or the syrup crystallizing. Here’s how to do it:
- First, break the eggs and carefully separate the yolks, reserving the whites for other recipes.
- Pass the yolks through a sieve, letting them drain naturally, without pressing, to remove membranes and viscous parts that leave a strong taste.
- Make the syrup over low heat: in a small pan, mix water and sugar off the heat until completely dissolved.
- Heat the pan, covering it to prevent sugar crystallization; let it boil for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Uncover and let the syrup thicken for another 5 minutes, watching the consistency – when lifting the spoon, the last drops should resist and slightly return.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool for about 15 minutes so it does not cook the yolks immediately.
- Temper the yolks: slowly add the syrup to the yolks, stirring gently to avoid curdling.
- Return the mixture to low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a spatula or whisk for 10 to 15 minutes, until the sweet thickens, becomes glossy, and easily detaches from the bottom of the pan.
- Transfer to a bowl to cool for about one hour, preventing it from overcooking in the hot pan.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold, according to your preference.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Ovos moles can be enjoyed alone, sprinkled with cinnamon, or used as filling for numerous Portuguese sweets. They last up to three days in the refrigerator, ideally removed a little before serving to return to room temperature.
This dessert is perfect for those who love sweets with traditional flavor but want something practical and versatile for different occasions.
Other Traditional Portuguese Sweet Recipes
If you like egg-based sweets, also check out other traditional Portuguese delights available here at Helô’s Kitchen, such as:
- Perfect Quindim
- Old-fashioned Angel’s Kisses
- Traditional Baba de Moça
- Very light and delicious Egg White Pudding
- Old-fashioned Milk Pudding
Conclusion
Os Portuguese ovos moles are the ultimate expression of Portuguese conventual confectionery: simple, flavorful, and full of history. With few ingredients and a careful method, you can bring this true delicacy that has delighted palates for centuries into your home.
Try this traditional recipe and be surprised by the creamy texture and distinctive flavor that only ovos moles offer. Enjoy sharing special moments with this sweet heritage of Portuguese culture.
