When we decided to relocate to Portugal from the States, I was ecstatic about the prospect of fresh seafood, seafood that was diverse, plentiful and all mine for the eating! With approximately six-hundred miles of beaches, succulent frutos do mar (seafood) exists along the entire coast, and that first night in Lisbon, I devoured half the country’s […]
Portuguese Seafood Recipes for Dipping Your Bread Read More »
When I smell wood smoke from the neighborhood chimneys and the rain clouds open to finally release the much needed rain, I know it’s time to get to work with the summer’s bounty. This means many a Portuguese cozinha will become a haven for Portuguese doces such as jams, jellies, marmelada! The sticky, sweet, gem
The Art of Homemade Portuguese Jams and Jellies Read More »
When I look at the timeworn façades across Portugal, listen to the tune in the language, or taste the spice of the food and I find it fascinating when I realize how much of it is influenced by the warm, culturally rich continent to the south, Africa. The strong Arabic structures of the Lisbon walls
African Influence on Portugal Read More »
My first New Years in Portugal was spent in Lisbon, gazing out across the city to the Tejo river, where the yearly fireworks would flare up and burst in a spectacular display of color. Underneath the technicolor display, a cacophony of banging pots and pans alongside honking car horns rang in o Ano Novo. It was a gorgeous night
Traditions of a Portuguese New Year: It all comes down to your underwear 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 »
Thanksgiving is a famed holiday in the European community. Non-American friends and co-workers repeatedly ask when this epic meal occurs (hinting for an invite), and nearly all Americans living here agree that the best part of having an authentic Thanksgiving meal on foreign soil is sharing the experience with at least one first-timer every year.
Thanksgiving in Iberia: An Ode to Port Wine and Stuffed Fowl! 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 »
I’m a huge fan of just about anything that’s multifunctional. Collapsible dining tables – you complete me. Storage stools – you steal my heart. Ovenproof skillets – I have the hots for you. Sarongs you can wear as a skirt, a dress, a shawl – oh, I can hardly contain myself! When it comes to
Madeira: The Multifunctional Dessert Wine Read More »
Prior to my migration from America to Portugal in 2011, I had often heard of the love affair that the Portuguese have with their eggs, especially when used in their sugar laden sweets. I didn’t really understand that eggs were also loved as additions to savory dishes until I got here and was pleasantly surprised
Eggs: Sweet and Savory Portuguese Recipes Read More »
Boas Festas! Happy Holidays from Portugal! The Christmas season is upon us, and here in Lisbon, we’re celebrating the only way we know how, with delicious homemade food. All major Portuguese holidays have their own unique dishes and sweets, but Christmas is by far the most plentiful among them. From mid November onward, you can
Feliz Natal: Traditional Portuguese Holiday Cuisine Read More »
Portugal’s ultimate leftovers food has to be “Açorda” (pronounced ah-soar-duh). Growing up, if my mother had leftover “bacalhau, ” the next day, there was “Acorda de Bacalhau.” If she had leftover shrimp, then it was “Açorda de Camarao.” If she had too much stale bread lying around, then it was plain old bread “Açorda.” What
A Portuguese Twist on Thanksgiving Leftovers Read More »
Fire up the barbecues and grab your friends. No, it is not Memorial Day weekend or a celebration of the first day of spring. Winter marks the time of year when Cataluña celebrates the almighty calçot. It is no secret that Catalans love to party, and the annual calçotada is just one more excuse to
The Calçotada: From Spain to Your Backyard Read More »
Frango is Portuguese for chicken, it’s far from KFC or Popeyes’, rather it’s a specific type of chicken that is best roasted or grilled over hot coals – normally called Frango no Churrasco (chicken on the grill) or Frango na Brasa (chicken on the hot coals) *Note: The term galinha normally refers to a larger, fattier chicken that’s stewed or used for soup*.
