Even though many Mediterranean cuisines are well known around the World, Portuguese cuisine tends to be more hermetic one. We usually don’t here about it on daily basis. And that’s such a shame! Portuguese cuisine is amazingly rich in fresh ingredients. Some people even say that in Europe, only Icelanders eat more fish than the Portuguese!! Can you believe? So what is actually Portuguese cuisine famous for?
Let’s start with a main course:
1. Caldo Verde
Caldo Verde is a simple soup that contains shredded kale, onions, potatoes, garlic, and chouriço. It originates from the North of Portugal but it’s served all over the country. Depending on the way it’s cooked, it can be vegetarian (before the obligatory chouriço slice is added) but it’s always a good idea to check.
2. Bolinhos de bacalhau
Bolinhos de bacalhau (or pastéis de bacalhau) are little deep-fried patties of salt-dried cod and potatoes. This is another bacalhau dish, yes, but it’s one that’s definitely worth trying, especially as you can easily find these in cafés and snack bars in Portugal.
3. Arroz de Marisco
Arroz de Marisco is a rich seafood stew that’s made up of fish and rice. It’s a Portuguese favourite, and it’s also another of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Gastronomy. Some people say it’s like a Spanish paella, but it’s very different due to the amount of sauce.
4. Queijo da Serra da Estrela
Queijo da Serra da Estrela is a very unique cheese: when it’s ripe, it’s so soft that you can actually scoop it out with a spoon. You can often order this cheese as a starter and it can sometimes be found on petiscos (Portuguese tapas) menus as well.
Now it’s time a dessert! Portugal has a lot to offer when it comes to sweets!
5. Pastel de natal
A pastel de nata is a Portuguese custard tart made with puff pastry and filled with egg custard that is served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. The tarts are baked at a blazingly hot temperature until the tops are scorched.
6. Rabanadas
is a dessert or afternoon snack soaked in flavored milk, coated in beaten eggs, fried, and sprinkled with sugar-cinnamon. It’s more custardy inside and crunchier outside than its French cousin!
7. Pao de deus
Translated as the bread of God, this traditional Portuguese dessert is a combination of a soft brioche and a topping made with desiccated coconut and eggs. The dough is usually flavored with lemon zest, rum, or vanilla, and the buns are baked until the topping turns golden and crispy.
If that did convince you to travel to Portugal than I don’t know what will! Or maybe it made you want to make one of the dishes at home? This way or another Portuguese cuisine has so much to offer!
