Portugal’s Secret Weapon: The Gloriously Gooey Bola de Berlim
Forget pastel de nata, there’s a new king (or queen) of Portuguese pastries in town, and its name is Bolinha, or more formal Bola de Berlim. These fluffy, fried dough balls are Portugal’s answer to the Berliner, but let me tell you, they’ve taken the concept to a whole new level of deliciousness.
A Bite-Sized Explosion of Sweetness
Imagine a perfectly golden sphere of light and airy dough, still warm from the fryer. Take a bite, and you’re greeted by a soft, pillowy interior that instantly melts in your mouth. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Nestled within that fluffy heaven awaits a creamy, decadent filling. We’re talking smooth vanilla custard, rich chocolate cream, or even a tangy lemon curd – the possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Beach: A National Treasure
While you might be tempted to think of bolas de berlim as a beachside treat (and you wouldn’t be wrong – they’re perfect for a post-swim sugar rush!), they’re a national treasure enjoyed all year round. You’ll find them in cafes, bakeries, and even grocery stores throughout Portugal. They’re a staple at summer fairs and festivals, and let’s be honest, who can resist that warm, gooey goodness on a chilly winter day?
The Great Debate: Powdered or Plain?
One thing you might notice is the debate raging on over the proper way to enjoy a bola de berlim. There are two main camps:
- Team Powdered: These folks believe a generous dusting of powdered sugar is the only way to go. It adds a delightful sweetness and a bit of textural contrast to the soft dough.
- Team Naked: Purists argue that the beauty of the bola de berlim lies in its simplicity. They savor the pure,unadulterated flavor of the dough and filling, without any additional frills.
Ultimately, the choice is yours! Embrace both sides and see which one you prefer.
Pro-Tip: The Art of the “Pinch”
Here’s a little insider tip for enjoying your Bolinha like a true pro: the pinch. Before you take your first bite, gently pinch the top of the dough ball. This creates a little reservoir to prevent that precious filling from oozing out all over your fingers (because let’s be real, that’s a tragedy waiting to happen).
Different types of bolinhas!
You can find delicious filling options as cinnamon, strawberry, chocolate, hazelnut cream, white chocolate, coconut custard, lime custard, apple custard blueberry custard, as well as the classic Bolinha with plain egg custard – all generously dusted with sugar, of course.
So next time you’re in Lagos View Apartment – Lagos, Portugal, don’t just settle for the usual pastel de nata. Seek out a bolinha and prepare to be amazed by this delightful explosion of flavor and texture. You might just discover your new favorite Portuguese pastry!
How to Make a Bola de Berlim: A Sweet and Simple Guide
Bolas de Berlim, those golden, fluffy doughnuts filled with creamy custard, are a Portuguese treat you simply can’t miss.Making them might sound tricky, but trust us, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Let’s dive in!
The Dough
First, you need to make the dough. It’s like making bread, but sweeter and fluffier. You mix some flour, yeast, sugar, eggs,milk, and a bit of butter. The key is to let the dough rest for a while so it can rise and get all fluffy.
Shaping and Frying
Once the dough is ready, you roll it out and cut it into circles. These circles are then shaped into rings, just like a classic doughnut. The next step is the fun part: frying! You carefully lower the doughnut rings into hot oil until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside.
The Filling
While the doughnuts are cooling, it’s time to make the filling. This is usually a creamy custard made with milk, eggs,sugar, and cornstarch. You cook it until it’s thick and smooth, then let it cool completely.
Bringing It All Together
Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle, you carefully cut a hole in the side and fill them with the custard. Some people like to sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
And there you have it! Your homemade bolas de berlim. They might take a bit of time, but the end result is totally worth it. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Want to try making your own? Check out our recipe…
100 meters from our Apartment you can find a bakery (Trigo Bom) with one of the best Bolinhas in Lagos (Portugal).
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