Portuguese Sawdust Pudding (known as Sericaia com Areia or simply Areia), is a traditional dessert from Portugal that has a unique name due to its appearance—resembling sawdust! It’s a custard-like dessert made with eggs, milk, sugar, and cornstarch, and is topped with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of flavor.
This creamy, comforting dessert is not as widely known outside Portugal but is a true gem in Portuguese home kitchens.
Here’s how you can make it!
Portuguese Sawdust Pudding (Sericaia com Areia)
Ingredients:
For the Custard:
- 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Custard:
- In a medium saucepan, pour the milk and place it over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer but don’t let it boil.
- While the milk is heating up, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once the milk is simmering, slowly pour a little bit of the hot milk into the egg mixture while continuously whisking (this helps temper the eggs and prevents them from curdling).
- Gradually add the rest of the milk, stirring constantly to incorporate everything smoothly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and cook until it thickens into a custard-like consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
- Allow the custard to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. It should be thick but still pourable.
2. Serve the Pudding:
- Pour the custard into individual serving cups or bowls. You can serve it warm, or allow it to cool in the fridge for a few hours for a more traditional chilled version.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
4. Top with Cinnamon Sugar:
- Once the custard has set or cooled slightly, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously on top of the pudding. This is the “sawdust” effect that gives the dessert its signature appearance and flavor.
5. Serve:
- Serve the pudding immediately if it’s still warm, or chill it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving, depending on your preference.
- Enjoy this simple, comforting Portuguese dessert with a cup of coffee or tea!
Tips for Perfect Sawdust Pudding:
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch is what gives the pudding its thick, custard-like texture. Be sure to cook it long enough to avoid any raw starch taste.
- Consistency: If the pudding is too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, cook it a bit longer to reach the desired thickness.
- Cinnamon Sugar: The cinnamon sugar topping is key to this dish’s flavor, so don’t skip it! You can adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar depending on your taste.
- Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest gives a fresh, bright note to the pudding that complements the richness of the custard, but it’s totally optional if you want a more traditional flavor.
Why You’ll Love Portuguese Sawdust Pudding:
This dessert is simple yet incredibly satisfying. The creamy, rich custard contrasts beautifully with the sweet, spiced cinnamon sugar, creating a comforting and indulgent treat. It’s a great dessert for any occasion and especially perfect after a family meal or holiday dinner.
Let me know if you try it out! It’s such a lovely dish that’s sure to impress.