Bebinca de Leite

Bebinca de Leite Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from Portugal

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Bebinca de Leite, a traditional dessert hailing from the beautiful regions where coconut and milk are staples in culinary traditions, offers a creamy, rich, and tantalizing experience for the palate. This dessert, characterized by its layered texture and the delightful contrast between the creamy custard and the caramelized top, is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of combining basic ingredients to create something extraordinary. In this recipe, we explore the steps to create this exquisite dessert, perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat.

History

The origins of Bebinca de Leite can be traced back to the influence of Portuguese cuisine in tropical regions, where coconut milk is abundant. Originally, Bebinca was a layered cake made during Christmas, but over time, variations like Bebinca de Leite emerged, simplifying the process while maintaining the essence of indulgence. This dessert embodies the fusion of cultures, ingredients, and culinary techniques passed down through generations, evolving into the creamy delight we cherish today.

Ingredients

3 cups of coconut milk
1.75 cups of sugar
1 tbsp of butter
a pinch of salt
1 cup of cornstarch
2.5 cups of milk
7 beaten egg yolks

How to prepare

Heat coconut milk, sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine cornstarch and milk in a medium bowl.
Whisk in egg yolks, then gradually whisk the mixture into the coconut milk mixture.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens and no longer tastes raw, about 20 minutes.
Be careful not to let the custard boil.
Rinse a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) baking dish with water, then pour the hot custard into the wet dish.
Allow the custard to cool to room temperature.
Place the custard under the broiler until the top is browned.
Cover the custard with plastic wrap and chill it before serving.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute coconut milk with almond milk and reduce the sugar. Adding a layer of fruit puree between the custard can introduce a delightful tartness, creating a more complex flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure a smooth and creamy Bebinca de Leite, it's crucial to constantly whisk the custard as it cooks to prevent lumps. A water-rinsed baking dish helps in easy removal of the dessert once set. For a perfectly caramelized top, broiling needs careful monitoring to avoid burning. Additionally, chilling the custard before serving enhances its texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bebinca de Leite chilled, with a garnish of toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of coconut caramel sauce to enhance its tropical flavors. A side of fresh berries can add a refreshing contrast to the rich custard.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing Bebinca de Leite lies in the careful cooking of the custard to achieve the perfect consistency and the broiling process to caramelize the top without burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Arrowroot powder can replace cornstarch for those avoiding grains.

Make Ahead Tips

Bebinca de Leite can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and the custard to set perfectly. Ensure it's covered and refrigerated until serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in elegant, shallow bowls, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of mint for a touch of color. A clear glass dish can showcase the caramelized top, making it visually appealing.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Bebinca de Leite with a light, sparkling dessert wine or a cup of aromatic coffee to balance its richness. The contrast in flavors and textures will enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Bebinca de Leite covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it slightly warm, gently heat it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Bebinca de Leite is calorie-dense, primarily due to the sugar, coconut milk, and egg yolks. It's a rich dessert, best enjoyed in small portions to savor its flavors without overindulgence.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Bebinca de Leite is rich in carbohydrates, primarily from sugar and cornstarch, providing the body with energy. The dessert's sweet taste comes at a cost of high sugar content, so it's advisable to consume it in moderation, especially for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

Fats

The coconut milk and egg yolks contribute to the fat content in Bebinca de Leite, offering a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. While coconut milk adds a tropical richness and is a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), moderation is key due to its saturated fat content.

Proteins

Egg yolks are the primary source of protein in Bebinca de Leite, providing essential amino acids necessary for body repair and maintenance. However, this dessert should not be relied upon as a primary protein source due to its higher fat and sugar content.

Vitamins and minerals

Bebinca de Leite offers a range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium from milk, and vitamins A and D from egg yolks. These nutrients support bone health, vision, and immune function, making this dessert not just delicious but also beneficial in moderate amounts.

Alergens

Key allergens in Bebinca de Leite include dairy (milk, butter) and eggs. Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution or seek alternative recipes.

Summary

Bebinca de Leite is a decadent dessert offering a balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of caramelization. While it provides certain nutritional benefits, it is high in calories, fats, and sugars, making it a treat to be enjoyed occasionally within a balanced diet.

Summary

Bebinca de Leite is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a luxurious dessert. Its history, nutritional content, and the joy of making and sharing it make it a cherished recipe. Whether enjoyed as a special treat or as part of a festive meal, Bebinca de Leite is a testament to the beauty of culinary traditions and the endless possibilities they offer.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook and always had a new recipe up her sleeve to teach me. One day, she told me about a special dessert called Bebinca de Leite that she had learned to make from a dear friend who had traveled to Goa, India.

My grandmother described the dessert as a rich and decadent layered cake made with coconut milk, sugar, and eggs. She explained that each layer was cooked separately in a hot oven until golden brown, creating a beautiful and unique texture. As she spoke, I could almost taste the sweet and creamy flavors in my mouth, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

With my grandmother's guidance, I set out to recreate the recipe for Bebinca de Leite. We gathered all the necessary ingredients – fresh coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and a touch of vanilla extract – and began the process of making the dessert. My grandmother showed me how to carefully layer the batter in a baking dish, ensuring that each layer was evenly spread and cooked to perfection.

As the Bebinca de Leite baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the warm and comforting aromas of coconut and vanilla. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product, eager to see if my efforts had paid off. When the dessert was finally ready, I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of sweet and creamy bliss. The layers of the cake melted in my mouth, leaving behind a lingering sweetness that I will never forget.

From that moment on, Bebinca de Leite became a staple in our family gatherings and celebrations. My grandmother would always proudly serve the dessert, sharing the story of how we had discovered the recipe together. It became a symbol of our bond and love for cooking, a tradition that I have carried on with my own children and grandchildren.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Bebinca de Leite with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy and deliciousness of this dessert to all who try it. Each time I make it, I remember that happy day in my grandmother's kitchen, and I am grateful for the memories and lessons she passed down to me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for Bebinca de Leite, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and joy. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to connect with my loved ones and share in the simple pleasures of life. And in that small, sweet dessert lies a lifetime of memories and love – a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart.