Best Easy Latte alla Portoghese Recipe

Portuguese-style milk pudding adopted by Italian cuisine is gentle, creamy, and delicate. This light mediterranean dessert is a family favorite across Italy.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 190 kcal
#mediterranean #vegetarian
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • whole milk 3 cups
  • large eggs 4 pieces
  • egg yolks 2 pieces
  • granulated sugar 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vanilla extract 2 tsp
  • lemon zest 1 tsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 26 g 54%
Protein 6 g 12%
Fat 7 g 34%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and set a kettle to boil for a water bath.

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of the granulated sugar with 1/4 cup of water over medium heat; swirl gently and cook until the sugar turns a golden caramel color. Quickly pour the caramel into a 9-inch round baking dish, tilting to evenly coat the bottom. Let cool and harden.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, and the remaining 1 cup sugar until smooth and pale. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt.

  4. 4

    Heat milk in a separate saucepan over low heat until just steaming (do not boil). Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.

  5. 5

    Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the caramel-lined dish for a silky texture.

  6. 6

    Place the baking dish in a large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the pudding dish, creating a gentle bain-marie.

  7. 7

    Bake for 55–65 minutes until the custard is just set in the center with a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and water bath, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

  8. 8

    To serve, run a thin knife around the edge and carefully invert onto a serving plate to release the caramel. Slice and enjoy chilled.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Latte alla Portoghese Recipe?
Whole milk is the key ingredient in Latte alla Portoghese. It provides the custard base for the pudding, resulting in a creamy, gentle texture that is essential to the dessert's identity. Paired with eggs and sugar, milk gives the dish its delicate and mellow character.
Q. How do I prevent the custard from overcooking or curdling during baking?
Use a water bath (bain-marie) and bake at 325°F to ensure gentle, even heat around the custard. Remove from the oven when the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a creamy, smooth texture.
Q. What causes a grainy or lumpy pudding, and how can I ensure a silky texture?
A grainy pudding usually results from adding milk that's too hot or not straining the custard before baking. Slowly whisk the steamed milk into the egg mixture and always strain through a fine sieve before baking. This extra care yields the classic silky-smooth dessert.
Q. How many calories and macronutrients are in each serving?
Each 120g serving contains approximately 190 kcal, with 26g carbohydrates (54%), 6g protein (12%), and 7g fat (34%). This makes it a balanced, moderately light dessert for Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Q. Is this pudding suitable for a Mediterranean or vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe fits both Mediterranean and vegetarian tags. It contains no meat or seafood and highlights dairy and eggs typical of Mediterranean desserts, with subtle citrus and vanilla flavorings.
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