Girls Gutta Eat
So yeah, I might be a little bias when it comes to Portuguese cuisine because a lot of these foods remind me of family or my Portuguese heritage. Butttttttt, there has to be a reason why famous chefs and food critics rave about Portugal’s food scene. If you ever find yourself in Portugal or at a restaurant with a Portuguese influence, you gutta try these:
Pastéis de nata - Probably Portugal’s most adored pastry, a small egg custard tart. The puff pastry is filled with a yellow custard made of egg yolk, sugar, cream and a dash of lemon zest and baked until golden brown. You can find these small treats at any bakery in this country but my particular favorite is at Pastéis de Belém, a bakery that’s been in operation since 1837 in Lisbon. People form lines out the door waiting to get their hands on this yummy, sweet thang.
Linguica - smoke cured pork sausage different from chorizo, spiced with paprika and garlic. Grill it up, throw it in a sub roll or make skewers out if it.
Caldo verde - Portugal’s favorite soup also known as Kale soup. Kale being the main ingredient is accompanied by pureed potatoes, garlic and bits of linguica for flavor. My Nana’s recipe also calls for corn and kidney beans? If this soup isn’t being served for dinner at my house, we always have some stocked in the freezer. If you wanna try some - I gotchu!
Bacalhau - dried and salted cod although I read that the Portuguese are quick to remind you that there are more way to prepare this fish than there are days in a year! bacalhau à brás, a mound of tiny fried potatoes, cod, onions and scrambled eggs; or bacalhau com todos, a plate of boiled cod and vegetables and sliced hard-boiled eggs This seafood option is on the menu at nearly any restaurant. It is nicknamed “the faithful friend”. Unlike Finding Nemo, here in Portugal, fish are friends AND food.
Bifana - a pork sandwich that is a highlight of my own experience with Portuguese cuisine. To date, I’ve eaten many of these sandwiches. Thinly sliced pork, marinated for hours in garlic and white wine topped with sauteed onions and red peppers. Jam it in a freshly baked roll from Silva’s Market and voila!
Prego - not to be confused with bifana, prego is a beef sandwich topped with mustard or hot sauce also stuffed in a freshly baked roll.
Sardinhas - can’t say I have personally tried them yet but they are a staple in Portuguese fare. Grilled sardines usually eaten on bread.
Carne de Porco Alentejana - a savory combination of pork and clams either over cubed potatoes or rice. The meat is marinated in white wine, paprika, garlic and cilantro and then fried. It is returned back to the marinade to cook a little extra until the clams are ready and then plated. SO freaking delicious, it is my go to EVERYTIME I see it on a menu.
Sumol - at any Portuguese event, while all the adults drank their Sagres (a typical Portuguese beer), I felt cool in the corner with my glass bottle of Sumol. A fruity soft drink with less carbonation than a soda. Pineapples my FAV - a nonalcoholic version of pineapple High Noons.
Vinho Verde - so when I’m not sippin; on a Sumol, I enjoy a nice glass of wine. Vinho verde is light bodied and fresh with a slight fizz. It gets it’s name from the green grapes that are used to make it. Perfect to pair with seafood or to enjoy on it’s own for a refreshing summer whistle-wetter. The #2 exported Portuguese wines after…
Port Wine/Tawny Port - most exported wine from Portugal, fortified and sweet. I find this wine to be heavy and almost have a thick texture. It’s most commonly enjoyed as a dessert wine because of it’s sweet flavors of raspberry, chocolate, caramel and cinnamon. Great way to end a nice meal!
Malasadas - my sweet tooth CRAVES these fried doughnuts coated with granulated sugar. I have no shame licking my fingers clean in public after devouring these babies!
Queijo - it’s very common for the Portuguese to enjoy slices of cheese and sweet bread with a cup of coffee for their morning breakfast. There are a variety of cheeses special to Portugal either hard or creamy, sharp tasting or smelly - all so decadent and heavenly!
If jetting off to Portugal isn’t in the cards for you but you’d still like to try this tasty cuisine: If you’re in the Lowell area, IV Seasons, Cavaleiro’s & Friends are Portuguese restaurants my family loves to dine at. Silva’s Market is where we buy our freshly baked rolls and cheese. Somerville and Fall River are home to a large Portuguese population so you can be certain to find many great spots for grub. If you’re closer to North Shore, the Azorean in Gloucester is a fabulous option that always delivers the best Portuguese dining experience!
