Indulge in the taste of Portugal with Bolas de Berlim, or Berlin Balls, a delectable pastry that has captured the hearts of many around the world. Originating from Portugal, these sweet treats are a beloved delicacy often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Made with a fluffy dough, filled with creamy custard, and coated in sugar, Bolas de Berlim offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible. In this article of Myhealthonly, we’ll dive into the art of making authentic Bolas de Berlim right in your own kitchen.
Delicious Bolas de Berlim Recipe: Perfect Portuguese Donuts!
- Understanding Bolas de Berlim:
Before we delve into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes Bolas de Berlim so special. These pastries consist of a yeast-based dough that’s deep-fried to golden perfection. Once cooled, they’re injected with a rich custard filling, creating a heavenly contrast of crispy exterior and creamy interior. Traditionally, they’re dusted with powdered sugar, adding a hint of sweetness to every bite. - Ingredients You’ll Need:
To recreate the magic of authentic Bolas de Berlim, gather the following ingredients:
- 500g of all-purpose flour
- 7g of instant yeast
- 100g of granulated sugar
- 100ml of warm milk
- 4 large eggs
- 100g of unsalted butter (softened)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the custard filling:
- 500ml of milk
- 6 large egg yolks
- 150g of granulated sugar
- 40g of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Now, let’s walk through the process of making Bolas de Berlim:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
- Using a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment, mix the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the custard filling. In a saucepan, heat the milk until steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small balls, about the size of golf balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the dough balls in batches until they’re golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Once the Bolas de Berlim are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag to fill them with the prepared custard filling.
- Finally, dust the filled Bolas de Berlim with powdered sugar and serve them warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success:
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and active for the dough to rise properly.
- Don’t skip the step of letting the dough rise, as it’s essential for achieving the right texture.
- Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying to prevent the Bolas de Berlim from burning.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding a hint of lemon zest or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Enjoy the Bolas de Berlim fresh for the best taste and texture, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Conclusion:
With this authentic Bolas de Berlim recipe, you can bring a taste of Portugal into your home kitchen. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, these fluffy pastries filled with creamy custard are sure to satisfy your cravings. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the delightful experience of making and indulging in homemade Bolas de Berlim. Bom apetite!
