A Sweet Portuguese Tradition
The Beira-Baixa tigelada represents one of the most precious treasures of traditional Portuguese sweets. This conventual sweet, which gained fame beyond the region’s borders, tells a rich story that is intertwined with its own cultural identity in Beira-Baixa.
History and Origin
The original recipe for this delicacy is attributed to the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Graça de Abrantes, where Dominican nuns developed this delicious dessert. In the municipality’s historical archives, we find references to an old version known as “Tigeladas de Dona Maria de Vilhena”, demonstrating its deep roots in the region.
It is the most typical sweet of Proença-a-Nova, and its importance transcends the gastronomic aspect, being a symbol of the cultural identity of Beira-Baixa.
Traditional Recipe
• 1 liter of milk
• 7 eggs
• 500g dark sugar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Lemon peel zest
• Olive oil for greasing
• Pinch of salt
The secret to the preparation lies not only in the ingredients, but also in the traditional method. The sweet must be baked in clay bowls previously greased with olive oil, in an oven heated to 200°C.
The use of an unglazed clay container is essential to achieve the characteristic texture of this sweet.
Tradition and Cultural Significance
Tigelada represents more than a simple dessert – it is a vital element of the region’s gastronomic heritage. This Portuguese convent sweet was born from the creativity of the nuns, who took advantage of the ingredients available in the convents to create true culinary works of art.
Even today, tijelada maintains its prominent place in regional sweets, being a mandatory presence at traditional festivals and family gatherings. In Proença-a-Nova, it is considered one of the most important references of traditional Portuguese sweets, preserving not only the flavor, but also the memories and traditions of the region.
Traditional Ritual
The preparation of tigelada continues to be a ritual that passes from generation to generation, keeping alive a centuries-old tradition that reflects the rich gastronomic heritage of Beira-Baixa. Each family keeps its little secrets when preparing it, but respect for the traditional recipe remains the fundamental basis of this very special sweet.
