Aljezur Sweet-Potato Turnovers

Also known as: Aljezur Sweet-Potato Turnovers

Fried half-moons filled with Aljezur sweet potato, cinnamon and citrus.

Origin: Aljezur · Vicentine Coast
Place: Aljezur · Vicentine Coast
Region: The Algarve
Category: Fried Sweets
Season: Autumn · winter · Christmas
Evidence: Well documented

Sweetness

Richness

Difficulty

Pastéis de Batata-Doce de Aljezur are thin-dough turnovers folded into half-moons, fried until lightly blistered and coated with sugar. Their filling combines cooked, mashed local sweet potato with sugar, cinnamon and lemon or orange zest.

The light, brittle shell encloses a compact, moist amber centre.

Ingredients

Aljezur sweet potato
wheat flour
sugar
lard
cinnamon
lemon or orange zest
oil for frying

Taste & texture

Earthy and mellow within, with cinnamon and citrus against light fried pastry.

Variations

Also called empanadilhas or trutas; some versions add honey or orange juice to the filling.

Where to try it

In Aljezur, Odeceixe and sweet-potato fairs along the Vicentine Coast.

Pairs well with

Coffee, medronho spirit or lemon tea.

History

Sweet potato is an emblematic Aljezur crop protected by a Geographical Indication. In western Algarve confectionery it appears in pastries, cakes, puddings and fritters, especially on winter and Christmas tables.

Documentary basis

Well documented

4 sources

Identity supported by institutional, specialist or corroborating sources.

How we assess sources and uncertainty →

Well documented

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