Introduction: Portuguese cuisine and its seafood
Portuguese cuisine is known for its fresh, flavorful and diverse seafood dishes. The country is blessed with a long coastline and an abundance of fish and seafood. Portugal’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its maritime history and the Portuguese people have developed a passion for seafood. The country’s seafood dishes are often simple and rely on the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Portuguese cuisine also makes use of spices and herbs to enhance the flavors of the seafood.
Bacalhau: The most famous Portuguese seafood dish
Bacalhau is perhaps the most famous Portuguese seafood dish and is considered a national dish. Bacalhau is a dried and salted codfish that is soaked in water for several days before being cooked. It is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many different ways. Some popular ways of cooking Bacalhau include Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, a casserole dish made with potatoes, onions, eggs and olives, and Bacalhau com Natas, a dish made with cream and potatoes.
Sardines: A beloved traditional dish in Portugal
Sardines are a beloved traditional dish in Portugal and a staple of the summer months. They are usually grilled and served with bread and salad. Sardines are also used in other dishes such as Sardinhas com Batatas a Murro, which is sardines served with smashed potatoes, and Sardinhas de Escabeche, which is sardines marinated in vinegar and served with onions.
Arroz de Marisco: A flavorful seafood rice dish
Arroz de Marisco is a flavorful seafood rice dish that is popular in Portugal. It is made with a variety of seafood such as clams, prawns, mussels, and squid. The seafood is cooked with onions, garlic, and tomato, and then mixed with rice. The dish is then cooked in a seafood broth until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Cataplana: A traditional seafood stew from Algarve
Cataplana is a traditional seafood stew from Algarve that is cooked in a special copper pot called a cataplana. The dish is made with a variety of seafood such as clams, prawns, and monkfish, as well as onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The dish is then flavored with herbs and spices such as paprika and then cooked in the cataplana until the flavors have melded together.
Polvo à Lagareiro: A tasty octopus dish from the coast
Polvo à Lagareiro is a tasty octopus dish from the coast of Portugal. The octopus is cooked in the oven with olive oil and garlic until it is tender and flavorful. It is then served with boiled potatoes and vegetables. The dish is typically served with a glass of vinho verde, a young and fresh wine from Portugal.
