When I lived in Portugal I would buy one of these from the grocery store every week

 

When I Lived in Portugal, I Would Buy One of These From the Grocery Store Every Week

Portugal is a country full of flavors that stay with you long after you leave. From the salty tang of fresh seafood to the warm, flaky layers of pastries, every corner of the country seems to offer a culinary surprise. But there was one treat I couldn’t resist — one I bought from the grocery store almost every week.

Simple, comforting, and utterly delicious, this Portuguese favorite became a ritual for me. It’s the kind of food that doesn’t just fill you up — it makes you feel at home.

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The Portuguese Treat You’ll Want to Try

While Portugal is famous for pastéis de nata (those irresistible custard tarts), the snack I’m talking about is slightly different — humble, sweet, and satisfying. Think: soft, buttery, slightly sweet bread or pastry, sometimes filled with chocolate, cream, or fruit preserves. In grocery stores, they’re sold fresh daily, and locals often grab one as a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.

What makes it special isn’t just the taste — it’s the ritual. Picking it up, feeling the warm pastry in your hands, and savoring each bite with a small coffee is an experience that words can barely capture.

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Make It at Home: Portuguese Grocery-Store-Style Pastry

If you can’t hop on a plane to Portugal tomorrow, here’s a way to bring that weekly treat home. This recipe is simple, yet authentic enough to give you a little taste of Portuguese life.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 packet (7 g) instant yeast

• ½ cup warm milk

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 egg

• Optional fillings: chocolate, jam, cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
   Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Shape the pastries:
   Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten slightly, then add your filling if using (chocolate or jam). Fold and seal gently.

3. Second rise:
   Place pastries on a baking tray, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.

4. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake pastries for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before enjoying.

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Why This Snack Stuck With Me

It’s more than a pastry — it’s a memory of a slower, simpler pace of life. Sitting at a café or by the window of my apartment, savoring this little treat with a coffee, I felt connected to Portugal in a way no tourist attraction could replicate.

Even if you’ve never been to Portugal, baking this pastry at home is a small way to experience that warmth, comfort, and tradition.