The small nation of Portugal occupies a part of the Iberian peninsula. This area is rich in incredible sights. If you’re planning a trip to this part of the world, you’ll want to get acquainted with what awaits when you arrive. These marvelous dishes represent the best of modern and classic Portuguese foods. This a culture that eats with great delight and loves to show off the local bounty of the sea and land at every turn. Put your feet down at a local cafe or one of the many renowned restaurants here get your belly filled. You’re in for a treat everywhere you look.
Arroz de pato
One of the many wonders of Portuguese cuisine is how diverse it all is. You’ll find lots of different ingredients that form the base of the meals here. This includes duck. Duck is beloved meat that you can see in this dish. It combines duck with red wine and lots of rice. The crust on top is part of the attraction. Bite into the crunch when it’s done. The rice absorbs the rest of the flavors and gives them one a truly earthy quality. It’s a good idea for that very hearty dinner.
Pasteis de bacalhau
Cod is much beloved in all parts of Portugal. The Portuguese eat lots of cod every single year. They take it and make into these savory patties that are ideal for an appetizer. Shredded fish merges with chopped hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes. The whole is then fried until golden brown and marvelously crispy. Portuguese natives like to eat this one with a bit of chopped parsley but you can add your own type of herbs and join right in. It’s the right thing to eat if you want to celebrate the culture.
Caldo verde
A cup of steaming soup is the order of the day when it comes to getting warm on a cold day. This one is simple, delicious and nourishing. It all starts with potatoes. The onion and kale are added. Garlic and olive oil are added until the entire thing is cooked down into a broth. If you want to gild the lily further look for the versions served with the Portuguese sausage known as linguica. Cornbread can be used to sop up the entire broth and add those wanted carbs and body.
Rojoes a moda do minho
Stewed pork is the centerpiece of this dish. Garlic and white wine add a sauce as it cooks slowly in the pot. It’s one for a gray day when you want something that’s full of color. Some parts of the country prefer to serve it plain or add potatoes for volume. Chestnuts are also added for crunch. Many parts of the country give the person a side of rice to add in and bring in more body to the stew. You can make your own version or head off to a restaurant for a pleasing thing the whole family can appreciate.
Ameijoas a bulhao pato
The nation of Portugal is surrounded by the ocean on several sides. As such, the Portuguese have always looked to the ocean for sustenance. This dish takes clams and pairs them with potatoes. The result is something that’s hearty and yet just right for a quick snack at the same time. The clams are lightly steamed or put in a sauce of butter until they open up and reveal their inner juices. Take them with the potato and add bread to mop up the extra sauce.