Barriga De Freira (Nuns’ Bellies)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 16

Barriga de Freira (Nuns' Bellies) - A Portuguese Sweet Treat

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

30 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

380

Sugar

41g

Fat

15g

Barriga de Freira, which translates to Nuns' Bellies in English, is a traditional Portuguese dessert that originated in the 18th century. It is said to have been created by nuns in a convent who used leftover bread and eggs to create this sweet and satisfying dessert. Today, Barriga de Freira is enjoyed all over Portugal and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and religious holidays. It is a beloved dessert that has been passed down through generations and continues to be a favorite among dessert lovers.

Instructions

1.	In a saucepan, add the sugar and water and place over medium heat.
2.	Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
3.	Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cubed butter and stir until melted.
4.	Add the crumbled white bread to the saucepan and stir to combine.
5.	Then, add the beaten egg yolks and cinnamon to the saucepan, and stir until completely combined.
6.	Continue to stir the mixture continuously over medium heat until it thickens.
7.	Remove from heat and spoon the mixture into individual serving dishes or a large dish.
8.	Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until set.
9.	Once set, sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds on top before serving.

PROS

Barriga de Freira is a unique and flavorful dessert that is simple to make, requires only a few ingredients, and can be made in advance.
The combination of sugar, bread, egg yolks, cinnamon, and butter creates a delicious and creamy treat that is perfect for any occasion.

CONS

This dessert is high in calories and sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It is not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or have a gluten sensitivity as it contains both butter and white bread.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Barriga de Freira is not the healthiest dessert, it does provide a significant amount of energy and can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation. Cinnamon has been linked to reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity, while almonds are a good source of healthy fats and protein.

	8 ounces sugar
	3/4 cup water
	1 ounce butter , cubed
	8 ounces white bread , crumbled
	8 egg yolks , beaten
	cinnamon , to taste
	2 tablespoons slivered almonds , toasted