Portuguese food is known for its unique and diverse flavors, catering to both seafood lovers and meat enthusiasts. With ingredients like potatoes, garlic, onions, and rice commonly used in Portuguese recipes, the cuisine is full of bold and savory dishes. While a trip to Portugal may be out of reach, Portuguese food can be found in many restaurants and bakeries throughout the United States. Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at cooking popular Portuguese dishes at home.
Some popular Portuguese dishes to try include Bacalhau à brás, a dish made with salted cod mixed with chopped onion, fried potatoes, and scrambled egg, topped with parsley and olives. Another standout seafood dish is Polvo à Lagareiro, featuring octopus baked with olive oil and garlic, served with seasoned potatoes. Arroz de pato, or duck rice, is a flavorful dish made with shredded duck served over rice alongside Portuguese sausage, often saved for special occasions like Sunday dinner.
Grilled sardines, or Sardinhas assadas, may seem intimidating at first glance but are a beloved Portuguese dish, especially during the Feast of St. Anthony in Lisbon. The sardines are marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and other seasonings before being grilled and served on toasted bread. For seafood enthusiasts, Cataplana de marisco is a must-try dish, packed with an abundance of fresh fish, clams, and shrimp, cooked in a flavorful stew with white wine, olive oil, potatoes, onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, try a Pastel de nata, a custard tart with a flaky crust and a creamy custard filling made with milk, cornstarch, vanilla bean, sugar, and egg yolks. Often sprinkled with cinnamon and enjoyed with a cup of coffee, this delicious pastry is a popular dessert option. With such a wide variety of dishes to choose from, Portuguese cuisine offers a culinary experience that is sure to delight any palate, whether enjoyed in a restaurant or made at home in your own kitchen.
