Sericaia com Ameixas

Introduction to Sericaia com Ameixas

Sericaia com Ameixas, a traditional dessert hailing from the Alentejo region of Portugal, offers a taste of rich cultural history and culinary excellence. This delightful sweet dish is known for its fluffy, custard-like consistency and is often paired with sweetened plums. Originating during the 18th century, Sericaia is believed to have been influenced by convent recipes and the tradition of sweet treats in Portuguese gastronomy.

The dish is celebrated for its unique texture and significant cultural relevance, symbolizing a blend of Portuguese and Brazilian culinary traditions. Learn more about the history of Sericaia here.

Now, let's dive into preparing this exquisite dessert!

Ingredients

For the Sericaia

• 6 large eggs
• 250g sugar
• 500ml milk
• 50g flour
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 lemon (zested)
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Plum Syrup

• 500g plums
• 100g sugar
• 200ml water
• 1 stick cinnamon

Preparation

Preparing the Sericaia

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. In a large bowl, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Beat the yolks with the sugar until fluffy and light in color.
3. In a saucepan, warm the milk with the cinnamon stick and lemon zest until it starts to boil. Remove from heat and let it infuse for 5 minutes.
4. Gradually mix the warm milk into the yolk mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
5. Gently fold in the flour, ensuring no lumps remain.
6. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks, then carefully fold them into the yolk mixture, keeping the batter airy and light.
7. Grease a baking dish with butter and pour the batter in, creating swirls to give it its iconic look.

Cooking the Sericaia

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Adjust the time as needed by using a cooking timer.

Preparing the Plum Syrup

1. Slice the plums and remove the pits.
2. In a saucepan, combine the plum slices with sugar, water, and cinnamon stick.
3. Cook over medium heat until the plums are soft and the syrup is thickened, about 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Sericaia is traditionally served warm or at room temperature, accompanied by the syrupy plums. To enhance its presentation, consider plating the Sericaia in individual servings topped with a generous spoonful of plum syrup. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of dessert wine or a fresh cup of coffee.

Enjoy each bite of the Sericaia's airy texture and the rich sweetness imparted by the stewed plums. This delightful dessert not only reflects the flavors of the Alentejo but also offers a taste of Portuguese history and culture, ensuring a memorable gastronomic experience.