Growing up, Portuguese kid stew was as ordinary to me as beef stew was to my American friends. Whenever there were mentions of “cabrito,” my smile lit up! Around this time of year, my younger self would be jumping for joy around my mother’s kitchen, since this was often the meal of choice for Easter. […]
Cabrito Estonado: The Easter Recipe Hidden in the Portuguese Mountains Read More »
From fried snakes on a stick to dirty water hot dogs, there hadn’t been anything novel to buzz about in the street food scene for years. That is, until five years ago when the gourmet food truck craze exploded in Los Angeles. Professional chefs jumped behind the wheel and turned that city’s down economy in
Street Food is Picking Up Speed in Portugal Read More »
Unless you fancy yourself a bit of a sweet talker, convincing a vendor at Barcelona’s world-famous La Boqueria market to sell you just one slice each of six different kinds of jamón isn’t likely to happen. I’ve enjoyed once or twice the feeling of hammy contentment after copping a free (tiny) taste of a top-quality
Jamón Experience: Tasting Spanish ham in Barcelona on a Budget Read More »
From the beginning of November to the end of January, it’s impossible to pass a pastelaria (pastry shop) without being bombarded by the ubiquitous Bolo Rei (King Cake). This is one of, if not the most, popular Christmas desserts throughout Portugal, consisting of a sweet, brioche-like bread dough packed with eggs and filled with various nuts, raisins and crystallized fruit. Essentially, a much tastier version of
Bolo Rei and Bolo Rainha: Portugal’s Royal Christmas Treat Read More »
On my second morning in Portugal, my Tia (aunt) Lucinda asked if I wanted rabbit for lunch. I shook off the jetlag and tried to think straight before answering. Rabbit is one of my favorite meals, so it would be hard to pass up! But I would be leaving close to noon, which would mean
3 Must Try Portuguese Winter Soup Recipes! Read More »
Like any good Americana, the smell of roasted root vegetables and spiced pumpkin are what I call the “scent” of autumn. It’s that smell that comes to mind when the leaves gently metamorphous from green to burnt orange, maroon and mustard yellow; when the air takes on the bite of frost; when your wardrobe changes from thin
Portuguese Squash and Root Vegetables: Pure Comfort Food Read More »
There isn’t a home or professional kitchen in Spain that doesn’t stock olive oil. Its omnipresence is ubiquitous. Similar to the French passion for butter, we adore this unctuous, golden liquid! One of the best ways to experience Spanish oil is during breakfast. While a sweet pastry is still appreciated, most of us are unconditionally loyal to “Pan, Aceite y
6 Tips to Guarantee Fresh and Delicious Olive Oil Read More »
Unlike the Sirens in Greek mythology, I wouldn’t call the fishwives of Porto’s Mercado do Bolhao dangerous, but they definitely have an allure. Bolhao is the city’s traditional open market, a once vibrant place that is now in desperate need of updated regulations and repair. But what it certainly doesn’t lack at all are charismatic characters.
Supermarket Diaries: The Fishwives’ Siren Song Read More »
When suddenly canned seafood became trendy in Portugal, I couldn’t help but have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand: I was thrilled for the producers and its supporters as well as proud of the industry’s ability to reinvent itself. But on the other: I thought, duh only now? And, will it last? I
Portuguese Meals Anyone Can Make: Octopus Salad with Black Eyed Peas Read More »
Editor’s note: When Sonia’s in Portugal her favorite thing to do is to peruse the supermarket aisles. As she shuffles between the U.S. and Portugal, we’ll be bringing you her discoveries in “Supermarket Diaries.” When I lived in Connecticut, I found myself in an argument with the butcher at the local supermarket – a risky move when
Supermarket Diaries: You had me at Rabbit Legs Read More »
When I moved to Portugal, I was dumbfounded by the amount of rice I consumed. Why? Because rice is absolutely everywhere! Not only that, the Portuguese are the largest consumers of rice in Europe, savoring 15 – 16 kilos per capita a year, compared with the 4 – 5 kilo European average. Unbeknown to many,
Portugal’s Arroz Carolino: The Native Rice of Portuguese Gastronomy Read More »
In Spain and Portugal, the grill is an indispensable tool, whether it be a flat-top griddle (plancha), a wood-fired pit, or a traditional barbecue, fueled with a fragrant mix of charcoal and hay (like those used to grill calçots). Unlike “American Barbecue” that focuses heavily on sauces, marinades, slow-cooking, and smoke, Iberian barbecue is all
Recipes from the Spanish and Portuguese Grill Read More »
Words involving “cured and smoked” in regards to meat in Portugal often leads to thoughts of links of spicy chouriço or subtly sweet legs of presunto hanging in a dark smoke house. Some of the other sausages come to mind such as alheira. The one that has found its way across the globe, from Hawaii
How to Make Portuguese Linguiça at Home Read More »
Walk into any mercado in Portugal and there will be stalls stuffed with large heads of cabbage, bunches of turnip tops, spinach and the young leaves of rapini. Go out to the Portuguese countryside and you’ll see patches of tall couve portuguesa hovering in the middle of gardens and a strip or two of grelos
Portugal: A vegetarian’s oasis! Read More »
If you ask the Portuguese, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” I would place my bet on the egg. Ovos are found throughout Portuguese cuisine. They’re poached in soups and açordas; fried on top of steaks, alheiras and francesinhas; boiled with fish and mixed into many of their beloved bacalhau dishes; and beaten with
The History of the Egg In Portugal: Why Portugese Cuisine Can’t Live Without It Read More »
