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Food in Portugal is a very
important subject. The Portuguese enjoy talking about food, about as
much as they enjoy eating it and celebrations to different food
stuffs are a common occurrence throughout the year in many town
squares in Central Portugal.
They hold grand festas for dried
fruits, soup festivals and large three day gastronomy fairs
where the topic of conversation is. . . food. |
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The Portuguese diet is quite
simple with an emphasis on fish, pork, chicken, rice, potatoes,
cabbage, olive oil and tomatoes. However the inclusion of a variety of
spices ensures the dishes are flavoursome and are almost always
very filling.
Fish is a main stay of the
Portuguese diet. Whether you are on the coast or not, most
restaurants, cafes and supermarkets stock a large selection from
Turbot to Swordfish. However, it has to be said, dried, salted
cod or Bachalau as it's known, tops the list as the most popular
with Portuguese people.
Although it doesn't sound too appealing
and doesn't look very appetising in the supermarkets, once it's
re-hydrated it can be a tasty dish. The Portuguese have worked
hard to make it so, as they have over 360 different recipes for
Bachalau. |
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It was the Portuguese who opened
up the spice routes in the 15th century bringing back coriander,
pepper, ginger, curry, saffron and paprika to Europe. Explorers
brought back unknown exotic products from the Orient including
rice, coffee and peanuts as well as peppers and pineapples from
Africa and tomatoes and potatoes from the New World. These early
discoveries have had a lasting influence on Portuguese
cuisine. |
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The use of piri-piri (small chilli
like peppers) is common place, whether to flavour roast
potatoes, marinate grilled chicken or to add a little 'oomph' to
a stew.
Meal times are strictly
observed in Portugal and are usually a family affair at the weekend.
Lunchtimes are not spent at the office with a sandwich, but
at a nearby restaurant for a full three course meal.
Most restaurants and cafes in
Central Portugal offer 'plates of the day', which include
a starter, main course, dessert, wine or beer and a coffee all
for as little as 5.50€.
If you are thinking of moving
to Portugal it is worth noting, away from the Algarve and
tourist resorts some food items, readily available in UK
supermarkets, are sometime are difficult to purchase.
Although tea bags are readily available in most
supermarkets, those available produce a weaker 'cuppa'. If you
enjoy a strong cup of tea on a morning, stock up before you
leave the UK. |
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