Pastéis de Vouzela

Description: Rectangular pastries, with the ends folded over them, made of very thin dough, filled, baked in the oven and sprinkled with sugar.

Region: Center.

Particularity: Pastries with delicate puff pastry, extremely thin, filled with an egg custard.

History: It can be safely said that this product was already made at the beginning of this century by two traditional families from the village of Vouzela, who have inherited the know-how over time, keeping it as a family secret. Some argue that this recipe is as old as a convent whose memory has been lost in time. Today, know-how con-tinues to pass from family to family, which makes it a well-kept secret. However, although produced for commercial purposes, con-temporary confectioners guarantee to use the same artisanal method that was taught to them by their grandmothers. In itineraries of this region, mentions such as «the pastries with dough as thin as angels' hair... that we would like to be able to taste every year».

Use: For breakfast and snacks, with tea, or as dessert.

Know-how: The recipe remains secret. They are currently manufactured by four families from the village of Vouzela according to a completely artisanal method, from a thin puff pastry, tended and dried on a special canvas, where the secret lies. They are then stuffed with soft eggs. This process results in a pastry with several layers of thin and crispy dough surrounding the filling.

Source: Produtos Tradicionais Portugueses, Lisboa, DGDR, 2001