Ovos Moles de Papaia

Ovos Moles de Papaia Recipe from Mozambique and South Africa

Region / culture: Mozambique, South Africa | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ovos Moles de Papaia is a delicious and unique dessert that originates from Portugal. This sweet treat features a smooth and creamy papaya custard that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Ovos Moles de Papaia has a long history in Portuguese cuisine, dating back to the 15th century. It is believed that this dessert was created by nuns in convents as a way to use up excess egg yolks leftover from making starched clothes. Over time, the recipe evolved to include papaya, giving it a tropical twist.

Ingredients

1 medium-sized ripe papaya (1 to 1.5 lb (680 g)), peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped
0.25 cup strained fresh lime or lemon juice
0.25 cup water
2 cups sugar
1 piece of stick cinnamon, 3 inches long
4 whole cloves
5 egg yolks

How to prepare

Combine the papaya, lime or lemon juice, and water in the jar of an electric blender and blend on high speed for about 30 seconds.
Turn off the blender, scrape down the sides of the jar with a rubber spatula, and blend again until the mixture becomes a smooth purée.
Using the back of a spoon, strain the purée through a fine sieve into a 2- to 3 qt (2.84 liter) enameled or stainless-steel saucepan.
Add the sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves to the saucepan, and stir constantly while bringing it to a boil over high heat.
Occasionally stir and cook briskly until the syrup reaches a temperature of 230°F (110°C) on a candy thermometer or until a few drops spooned into cold water immediately form coarse threads.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and use a slotted spoon to discard the cinnamon stick and cloves.
In a deep bowl, beat the egg yolks with a wire whisk or an electric beater for about 1 minute, or until the yolks slightly thicken.
While continuously beating, pour the hot syrup into the yolks in a thin stream and continue to beat until the mixture becomes smooth, thick, and has a bright, deep yellow color.
Divide the mixture among four 4 oz (113 g) heatproof dessert dishes and allow it to cool to room temperature.
The dessert will further thicken as it cools.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 2 hours and serve chilled.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding a splash of rum or coconut milk to the papaya purée.
You can also experiment with different fruits such as mango or pineapple in place of papaya.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe papaya for the best flavor and texture.

- Be sure to strain the papaya purée to remove any fibrous bits.

- Keep a close eye on the sugar syrup to ensure it reaches the correct temperature.

- Be patient when adding the hot syrup to the egg yolks, as adding it too quickly can cause the yolks to curdle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ovos Moles de Papaia chilled with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a beautiful presentation.

- Pair with a cup of espresso or a glass of port wine for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the sugar syrup to the correct temperature to achieve the right consistency for the custard.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find papaya, you can use mango or pineapple as a substitute.

- You can also use lime juice in place of lemon juice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the custard ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ovos Moles de Papaia in elegant dessert dishes garnished with a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dessert with a glass of port wine or a cup of espresso for a delightful end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220 per serving

Carbohydrates

45g per serving

Fats

5g per serving

Proteins

3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A from the papaya.

Alergens

Allergens: Contains eggs

Summary

Ovos Moles de Papaia is a sweet and creamy dessert that is relatively low in calories but high in carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamin C and A.

Summary

Ovos Moles de Papaia is a delicious and unique dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its smooth and creamy texture and tropical flavor, this dessert is a perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Portugal. My grandmother, who was known for her culinary skills, had a friend who was a master chef. One day, he came over to our house to share a special recipe he had learned during his travels in Brazil – Ovos Moles de Papaia.

As soon as I heard the words "Ovos Moles de Papaia," my ears perked up. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was intrigued by the sound of it. The chef began to explain how the dish was made – a delicate and creamy dessert made with ripe papayas, sugar, and eggs. I watched in awe as he demonstrated each step, mixing the ingredients together with such precision and care.

I was captivated by the process of creating Ovos Moles de Papaia. The way the papaya blended seamlessly with the eggs and sugar, creating a smooth and velvety texture that was both sweet and refreshing. The chef explained that the key to a perfect Ovos Moles de Papaia was patience and attention to detail. Each ingredient had to be added slowly and carefully, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.

After the chef finished making the dessert, he offered me a taste. As soon as I took a bite, I was transported to a tropical paradise. The creamy texture of the papaya mixed with the sweetness of the sugar and eggs was like nothing I had ever experienced before. It was a taste sensation unlike any other – one that I knew I had to recreate for myself.

I spent the next few weeks practicing and perfecting the recipe for Ovos Moles de Papaia. I would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully measuring out each ingredient and mixing them together with precision. I would wait anxiously as the dessert baked in the oven, the aroma of sweet papaya filling the air.

Finally, after many attempts and countless hours of practice, I had mastered the art of making Ovos Moles de Papaia. I was overjoyed with my success, and I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends. They were all amazed by the delicious dessert I had made, and they couldn't believe that I had learned to make it all on my own.

From that day on, Ovos Moles de Papaia became a staple in our household. My grandmother would often request that I make it for special occasions, and I was always happy to oblige. It became a beloved family tradition – one that brought us together and created lasting memories.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques from friends and family. But Ovos Moles de Papaia remained a favorite, a cherished reminder of that fateful day when I first stumbled upon the recipe and embarked on a culinary journey that would shape my love for cooking forever.

Now, as I sit here recalling that momentous occasion, I am filled with gratitude for the chef who shared his recipe with me and inspired me to create something truly special. Ovos Moles de Papaia will always hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And as I continue to cook and share my recipes with others, I know that the legacy of Ovos Moles de Papaia will live on for generations to come.