Queijo de figo is a local Algarve specialty that is prepared with dry figs and almonds as the two basic ingredients. Traditionally, sliced figs and almonds were layered into a mold and drizzled with brandy. The combination would then be pressed and stored until the ingredients were combined into a firm cake.
Optionally, ground figs and almonds can be mixed with syrup in order to create a compact mixture that is then pressed into a mold. Although these fig cakes are traditionally round, they can be formed into other shapes, but their unusual name, which translates as fig cheese, stems from the classic round form that is reminiscent of a cheese wheel.
This light Portuguese sponge cake is prepared with fig-leaf squash, which is locally known as chila or gila. The cake combines already prepared squash jam or raw mashed squash with eggs, cocoa, and ground almonds, and the whole dish can be flavored with cinnamon or orange juice.
This moist and flavorful cake is traditionally associated with the region of Algarve and is often decorated with a light dusting of powdered sugar or fios de ovos - traditional confectionary consisting of thin egg threads.
Although custard flans are enjoyed throughout Portugal, this orange-flavored version is traditionally associated with Algarve – the southernmost Portuguese region famous for their oranges. This simple dessert consists of a smooth egg-based custard that is enriched with orange juice and orange zest.
It is typically baked in round tins, then enjoyed well-chilled. Similar varieties are also popular in Brazil.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Dom Rodrigo is a Portuguese dessert that is traditionally associated with the Algarve region, where it’s been made since the 18th century. It is prepared with a combination of egg yolks, sugar, ground almonds, cinnamon, and fios de ovos - a traditional confectionary product consisting of thin egg threads.
The gooey mixture of egg yolks and almonds is neatly placed inside fios de ovos, and the whole combination is wrapped in colorful foil that’s shaped into a small pyramid. Similar to other Portuguese desserts, it is believed that Dom Rodrigos also originated as a conventual dessert.
MOST ICONIC Dom Rodrigo
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