Falábas

Falábas is a traditional Portuguese sweet bread, often prepared for festive occasions, particularly Easter and Christmas. Its distinctive feature is a hard-boiled egg baked whole within the dough, usually placed in the center. The bread itself is typically made from a sweet yeast dough, enriched with ingredients like eggs, sugar, butter, and sometimes lemon zest or cinnamon for flavor. The dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic before being shaped. A raw egg, still in its shell, is then carefully embedded into the dough before it is allowed to rise and bake. As the bread bakes, the egg cooks inside, becoming firm.

The origin of Falábas is believed to be rooted in ancient pre-Christian traditions that celebrated the arrival of spring and the fertility of the earth, with the egg symbolizing new life and rebirth. Over time, these customs were integrated into Christian celebrations, particularly Easter. The preparation of Falábas can vary slightly depending on the region of Portugal, with some recipes incorporating raisins or candied fruits. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast item or a dessert, and the cooked egg is typically eaten along with the sweet bread.