Called by some “The Venice of Portugal” for its canals and fanciful boats, Aveiro also has a rich culture of Art Nouveau architecture as well as a unique pastry that celebrates the city’s aquatic heritage.
Foodie Aveiro
Ovos Moles
Aveiro’s contribution to the culinary world is the little pastry called Ovos Moles.
These sweet treats were invented by the nuns of the Mosteiro de Jesus in Aveiro, a Dominican convent built in 1461 by Papal decree. The monastery is famous because this is where Joana de Avis, Princess of Portugal, lived and worked as a nun (though she never took her final vows).
Her father, King Afonso V, wanted to marry off Joana and consolidate his power. But Joana had a mind of her own and entered the convent, defying her powerful father. Joana lived out her life in the convent, dying in 1490. She was beatified in 1693.
Sometime, about 500 years ago, the nuns in the convent came up with the recipe for Ovos Moles. This was a common occurrence in Portugal where nuns often sold sweets to help finance the operation of the convent. Many of the recipes were sold to commercial bakeries when the religious orders were dissolved in the 1830’s.
To make Ovos Moles, egg yolks and sugar are gently stirred together and heated in a copper pan. A dollop of the egg custard is placed in the center of a rice paper wrapper, similar to a communion wafer. Another rice paper wrapper is placed on top and the egg custard is sealed inside. The Ovos Moles is then shaped into pieces representing Aveiro’s nautical heritage like shells, fish, and boats. Oftentimes, the Ovos Moles are placed in a model boat, further reinforcing Aveiro’s connection to the sea. Ovos Moles are sometimes dipped in chocolate to create Ovos Moles Pretos.
For me, the rice paper casing can be too dry with an almost cardboard texture. That’s why I like the Ovos Moles to be dusted with powdered sugar to add a little moisture. Newly made Ovos Moles are also better than ones that have been sitting around for this exact reason.
Every bakery in Aveiro sells Ovos Moles, some better than others.