John Myers
Introduction: The Sweet Side of Uruguayan Cuisine
Uruguayan cuisine is renowned for its succulent meats, savory stews, and delicious wines. However, not many are aware of the country’s sweet side. Uruguayan sweets and pastries are unique, and just as delectable as their savory counterparts. In this article, we will explore the traditional sweets and pastries that make up Uruguayan cuisine.
Traditional Uruguayan Sweets: From Alfajores to Chajá
Uruguay’s sweet treats are heavily influenced by Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese cultures. One of the most popular sweets is the alfajor. This sweet sandwich cookie is made using two shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and often covered in chocolate. Another traditional sweet is the chajá, which is a meringue filled with whipped cream, peach slices, and a sprinkle of sugar.
Other traditional Uruguayan sweets include the pasta frola, a tart-like pastry filled with quince jelly, and the churro, a long pastry deep-fried and dusted with sugar. Lastly, we have the postre chajá, a dessert that originated from the city of Paysandú. This dessert is a meringue cake filled with whipped cream and peaches.
Pastries in Uruguayan Cuisine: Discovering Bizcochos and Facturas
Uruguayan pastries, known as panadería, are often enjoyed for breakfast or tea time. One of the most popular pastries is the bizcocho. This crescent-shaped pastry is flaky and buttery and is often served with dulce de leche or jam. Another favorite pastry is the factura, which is a sweet, fluffy pastry topped with frosting, chocolate chips, or fruit.
Other popular pastries include the medialuna, a smaller version of the bizcocho, and the rosca de reyes, a sweet bread ring topped with sugary fruit. Lastly, we have the milhojas, which is a dessert made with multiple layers of flaky pastry and dulce de leche.
In conclusion, Uruguayan cuisine has a sweet side that is often overlooked. The traditional sweets and pastries of Uruguay are unique, delicious, and worth trying. From the alfajor to the milhojas, there is something for everyone when it comes to Uruguayan sweets and pastries.
