Aletria

45 min    6    dessert, portuguese, sweet

Instructions

Step 1

  • Bring the milk to a boil in a pan with the cinnamon stick, lemon peel and a pinch of salt. Allow the flavours to infuse for about 5 minutes.

Step 2

  • Add the vermicelli to the milk and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the vermicelli is cooked. Stir regularly to prevent burning.

Step 3

  • Remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick from the pan. Add the sugar and stir well.

Step 4

  • Beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Add a small amount of warm milk to the egg yolks and stir well, to prevent the egg yolks from curdling.

Step 5

  • Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the pan and stir well until the mixture begins to thicken slightly. Note: it must not boil.

Step 6

  • Pour the aletria into a serving dish or into small bowls. Leave to cool and sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon.

Aletria is traditionally served cold and is especially popular during the Christmas period.