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Portugal Cuisine

Europe · Southern Europe

63 recipes

Signature Portugal Dishes

🥗 Ingredient:

Aletria

Aletria is a traditional Portuguese sweet vermicelli dessert, often enjoyed during the Christmas season. It's a comforting and subtly sweet dish, similar to a rice pudding but made with fine vermicelli noodles, finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Portugal·Easy·25 minutes

Alheira

Alheira is a traditional Portuguese smoked sausage, typically bread-based, originating from Jewish crypto-food traditions. It is most commonly fried until crispy and served with accompaniments like fries and a fried egg.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour 35 minutes

Alheira de Mirandela

Alheira de Mirandela is a famous regional sausage from the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal, protected by IGP (Denominação de Origem Protegida). Traditionally made with game meats and bread, this version uses poultry for accessibility. It has a unique, smoky flavor and is often served grilled with a fried egg.

Portugal·Easy·30 minutes

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, or Portuguese garlic clams, is a classic and incredibly simple appetizer featuring fresh clams simmered in a fragrant broth of olive oil, garlic, white wine, and cilantro. It's named after the 19th-century Portuguese poet Raimundo António de Bulhão Pato and is best enjoyed immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour 25 minutes

Arroz de Cabidela

A traditional and deeply flavorful Portuguese dish, Arroz de Cabidela features tender chicken cooked in a rich, dark rice pilaf, uniquely enriched with chicken blood for its distinctive color and taste. This recipe provides a detailed guide to achieving this classic comfort food.

Portugal·Easy·1 hour

Arroz de Feijão

A hearty and comforting Portuguese dish where tender red beans are simmered with rice, infused with the savory flavors of bacon and onion. Perfect for a satisfying everyday meal.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Arroz de Marisco

A comforting and flavorful Portuguese seafood rice, often described as a soupy rice dish brimming with a variety of shellfish. It's a true celebration of coastal flavors.

Portugal·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes

Arroz de Pato

A comforting and flavorful Portuguese classic, Arroz de Pato features tender shredded duck meat mixed with rice, then baked with slices of smoky chouriço on top until golden and slightly crispy.

Portugal·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Arroz de Pato com Chouriço

A rustic and flavorful Portuguese duck rice dish, enriched with the smoky notes of chouriço. Tender shredded duck meat is combined with rice cooked in a rich duck broth, then baked until golden and slightly crispy, with slices of chouriço on top.

Portugal·Medium·2 hours 10 minutes

Arroz de Polvo

A flavorful Portuguese rice dish where tender octopus is cooked with rice, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, often simmered in the octopus's cooking liquid for a rich, oceanic flavor.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour

Arroz de Tamboril

A rich and creamy Portuguese rice dish featuring tender monkfish, infused with the flavors of the coast. This recipe aims for a luscious texture where the rice absorbs the flavorful fish stock, complemented by the firm, meaty monkfish.

Portugal·Easy·1 hour

Arroz Doce

A classic Portuguese rice pudding, Arroz Doce, is a comforting and festive dessert. It's traditionally decorated with a beautiful cinnamon pattern, making it a popular choice for celebrations and holidays.

Portugal·Medium·24 hours 30 minutes (minimum)

Bacalhau à Brás

A beloved Portuguese comfort food, this dish features shredded salt cod (bacalhau) mixed with finely julienned fried potatoes, softened onions, garlic, and scrambled eggs, creating a wonderfully silky and satisfying texture. It's often garnished with black olives and fresh parsley.

Portugal·Medium·24-48 hours (including soaking)

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá

A beloved Portuguese classic from Porto, this comforting casserole features layers of salt cod, potatoes, onions, and hard-boiled eggs, all brought together with generous amounts of olive oil. The salt cod requires significant pre-soaking to rehydrate and desalinate.

Portugal·Medium·24-48 hours (desalting) + 1 hour 10 minutes (active prep & cook)

Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo

A beloved Portuguese cod casserole originating from Porto, featuring tender salt cod layered with creamy potato purée, a savory olive mash, and a golden, broiled mayonnaise topping.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour

Bacalhau com Broa

A comforting and flavorful baked cod dish from Portugal, featuring a savory crust made from cornbread (broa), garlic, and herbs, layered over tender cod loins and often served with potatoes and sautéed cabbage.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Bacalhau com Broa e Legumes

A delightful Portuguese dish featuring salt cod baked with a savory cornbread crust, accompanied by roasted vegetables. The combination of flaky cod, the slightly sweet and crunchy broa topping, and the tender roasted vegetables creates a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes (plus soaking time)

Bacalhau com Natas

A rich and comforting Portuguese classic featuring salt cod baked with potatoes and a creamy sauce. This dish requires desalting the cod beforehand, which is crucial for its flavor.

Portugal·Medium·24 hours (including soaking) + 45 minutes

Bacalhau Espiritual

An elegant and creamy baked cod dish, often served during Christmas, resembling a savory soufflé. This recipe features flaked salt cod bound in a rich béchamel-like sauce, enriched with egg yolks and lightened with whipped egg whites.

Portugal·Easy·20-22 minutes (plus optional marinating time)

Bifana

A beloved Portuguese street food classic, the Bifana features thinly sliced pork marinated in a flavorful blend of white wine, garlic, and paprika, then quickly cooked and served in a crusty roll, often with a generous smear of mustard. The bread is typically dipped in the flavorful pan juices for an extra burst of taste.

Portugal·Easy·23-25 minutes

Bifanas

Bifanas are a beloved Portuguese street food classic: thinly sliced pork marinated in garlic and white wine, then quickly pan-fried and served in crusty bread rolls. They are incredibly flavorful, quick to make, and perfect for a casual meal or snack.

Portugal·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes (including rising and resting)

Bola de Berlim

A classic Portuguese beach doughnut, known as Bola de Berlim, is a soft, yeasted pastry filled with a rich, sweet custard cream. Traditionally enjoyed on sunny beach days, these doughnuts offer a delightful sweet treat.

Portugal·Medium·2 hours 45 minutes

Bolas de Berlim

Bolas de Berlim are a beloved Portuguese classic, often enjoyed as a sweet treat at the beach. These light, airy donuts are filled with a vibrant yellow custard cream and coated in sugar.

Portugal·Medium·4 hours 45 minutes (including rising time)

Bolo Rei

A traditional Portuguese fruit cake, often enjoyed during the Christmas holidays. This enriched dough cake is studded with candied fruits and nuts, shaped into a crown, and symbolizes the riches of the Three Kings.

Portugal·Medium·Overnight + 4 hours

Cachupa

A hearty and flavorful Cape Verdean national dish, Cachupa is a slow-cooked stew featuring hominy corn, beans, and a medley of meats and vegetables. It's traditionally prepared overnight and simmered for hours, resulting in a rich, comforting meal.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Caldeirada

A hearty and traditional Portuguese fisherman's stew featuring layers of firm white fish, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, gently simmered in white wine. The key is to avoid stirring, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Portugal·Easy·55 minutes

Caldo Verde

Portugal's soul soup - a silky, comforting potato and broth base generously studded with thinly sliced collard greens and savory slices of chouriço sausage.

Portugal·Easy·1 hour

Caldo Verde Tradicional

A hearty and comforting national soup of Portugal, featuring tender potatoes, finely shredded kale, and smoky chouriço sausage. This traditional recipe is simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes (plus overnight purging)

Caracóis à Portuguesa

A beloved Portuguese summer tradition, these tender snails are simmered in a fragrant broth of garlic, olive oil, and herbs, perfect for dipping crusty bread into.

Portugal·Medium·4 hours 45 minutes (including marinating)

Carne de Porco à Alentejana

A classic Portuguese dish from the Alentejo region, this recipe features tender pork marinated and braised with white wine, garlic, and paprika, then combined with briny clams and crispy fried potatoes for an iconic surf and turf experience.

Portugal·Medium·45-50 minutes

Cataplana de Marisco

A traditional Algarve seafood stew cooked and served in a special hinged copper pot called a cataplana. This method seals in steam, creating a flavorful and tender dish.

Portugal·Easy·4 hours 30 minutes

Chanfana

Chanfana is a traditional Portuguese goat stew, slow-braised in red wine with aromatic spices. Originating from the Beira region, this rustic dish is known for its incredibly tender meat that falls off the bone.

Portugal·Medium·3 hours 45 minutes

Cozido à Portuguesa

Cozido à Portuguesa is a hearty and traditional Portuguese mixed boil, often served as a celebratory Sunday feast. It features a variety of meats and root vegetables simmered together in a flavorful broth, creating a comforting and abundant meal.

Portugal·Medium·45 minutes

Farófias

A classic Portuguese dessert featuring delicate, cloud-like meringue 'islands' gently poached and served afloat in a rich, creamy vanilla custard. Often dusted with cinnamon for a warm, aromatic finish.

Portugal·Medium·Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes active cooking, plus soaking

Feijoada à Portuguesa

A hearty and rustic Portuguese bean stew, rich with smoky depth from a variety of pork cuts and sausages. This dish is a comforting classic, perfect for feeding a crowd.

Portugal·Easy·Approximately 11-13 hours (including soaking)

Feijoada à Transmontana

A hearty and traditional Portuguese white bean stew, originating from the Trás-os-Montes region, featuring tender pork and flavorful sausages. A true winter comfort dish.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour

Francesinha

Porto's legendary sandwich - layers of ham, sausage, and steak between bread, covered in melted cheese and a rich, spicy beer sauce. A truly indulgent and hearty meal.

Portugal·Easy·3 months (minimum maceration)

Ginjinha

A traditional Portuguese sour cherry liqueur, often enjoyed as a digestif or aperitif. This recipe includes the whole cherries, allowing their flavor to infuse into the spirit. A specialty of Lisbon, it's famously served in small edible chocolate cups.

Portugal·Challenging·4 hours - 5 hours 15 minutes (plus overnight marination)

Leitão à Bairrada

A quintessential Portuguese regional specialty from Bairrada, this dish features a whole suckling pig roasted to achieve incredibly crispy skin and tender, succulent meat. Traditionally cooked in wood-fired ovens, it's a celebratory dish perfect for gatherings.

Portugal·Easy·50-55 minutes

Migas Alentejanas

Migas Alentejanas is a rustic and comforting Portuguese dish originating from the Alentejo region, featuring fried breadcrumbs and succulent pork. It's a classic example of making the most of simple ingredients.

Portugal·Hard·1 hour 5 minutes

Ovos Moles de Aveiro

Ovos Moles de Aveiro, meaning 'soft eggs of Aveiro', is a traditional Portuguese delicacy from the city of Aveiro, renowned for its rich, sweet egg yolk filling encased in thin wafer shells. This UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage confection is a testament to centuries of conventual pastry-making tradition.

Portugal·Medium·55-60 minutes

Pão de Ló

A classic Portuguese sponge cake known for its light, airy texture and often a delightfully moist center. This recipe aims for a tender crumb with a slightly underbaked, custardy core, characteristic of many regional variations.

Portugal·Easy·40 minutes

Papas de Carolo

A traditional Portuguese cornmeal porridge, similar to rice pudding but made with coarse cornmeal (carolo). It's a comforting and subtly sweet dish, often flavored with citrus zest and cinnamon.

Portugal·Hard·1 hour 5 minutes

Pastéis de Nata

Authentic Portuguese custard tarts, featuring a crisp, flaky puff pastry shell filled with a rich, creamy egg custard that's caramelized and blistered on top. A beloved treat originating from Lisbon.

Portugal·Hard·1 hour 15 minutes

Pastel de Belém

The iconic Pastel de Belém, originating from the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. These tarts feature a blistered, caramelized custard filling encased in a shatteringly crisp, flaky puff pastry shell. Best enjoyed warm, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Portugal·Hard·1 hour 5 minutes

Pastel de Nata

Portugal's legendary custard tarts - flaky puff pastry shells with rich vanilla custard, baked until blistered and caramelized.

Portugal·Easy·overnight + 55 minutes

Pataniscas de Bacalhau

Pataniscas de Bacalhau are traditional Portuguese cod fritters, featuring flaky salt cod encased in a light, airy batter. They are a popular appetizer or light meal, often served with rice and salad.

Portugal·Easy·7-8 minutes

Percebes

Percebes, or gooseneck barnacles, are a highly prized and unique delicacy from the Portuguese coast. Their intense, briny flavor and tender texture are best enjoyed with minimal preparation. This recipe focuses on highlighting their natural taste.

Portugal·Easy·30-35 minutes

Pica-Pau

Pica-Pau is a classic Portuguese petisco (tapas or bar snack) featuring tender, bite-sized pieces of beef stir-fried with garlic, chili, and a splash of beer, often served with pickles. It's a flavorful and quick dish perfect for sharing.

Portugal·Medium·2 hours 45 minutes

Polvo à Lagareiro

A classic Portuguese dish featuring tender, slow-cooked octopus roasted to a delightful crisp, served with olive oil-infused potatoes. This 'Lagareiro' style emphasizes the generous use of high-quality olive oil.

Portugal·Medium·2 hours

Polvo Guisado com Grão

A comforting and flavorful stew of tender octopus braised with chickpeas, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of traditional Portuguese spices. This dish offers a rich, savory taste with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and a satisfying texture from the chickpeas.

Portugal·Easy·23 minutes

Prego no Pão

A classic and incredibly simple Portuguese steak sandwich, featuring tender, garlicky steak nestled in a soft bread roll. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour - 1 hour 5 minutes

Queijadas de Sintra

Queijadas de Sintra are traditional sweet cheese pastries originating from the town of Sintra, Portugal. These delicate tarts feature a creamy, sweet cheese filling encased in a light, flaky pastry.

Portugal·Easy·30 minutes

Queijo Serra da Estrela

Queijo Serra da Estrela is a renowned Portuguese mountain cheese made from raw sheep's milk, known for its exceptionally creamy and runny interior when ripe. It is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese, meaning its production is strictly regulated to ensure authenticity and quality.

Portugal·Easy·20 minutes prep, 30-35 minutes cook, plus minimum 4 hours marinating

Rojões à Minhota

Tender, flavorful cubes of pork loin, marinated in white wine and garlic, then fried until golden brown and succulent. A classic dish from the Minho region of Portugal, known for its bold cumin flavor.

Portugal·Hard·1 hour

Santola Recheada

A luxurious Portuguese delicacy, Santola Recheada features tender spider crab meat mixed with aromatic seasonings, stuffed back into its shell, and gratinated to a golden-brown perfection. Traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season, this dish is a true celebration of fresh seafood.

Portugal·Easy·40 minutes

Sardinhas Assadas

Authentic Portuguese grilled sardines, a quintessential summer dish. Simple, fresh sardines are generously seasoned with sea salt and grilled over high heat until the skin is beautifully charred and the fish is flaky and moist. Served traditionally on rustic bread to soak up the delicious juices, with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Sericaia

A traditional Alentejo egg dessert, a light and airy pudding topped with cinnamon, often served with preserved plums (ameixas d'Elvas).

Portugal·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Toucinho do Céu

A rich and dense Portuguese almond torte, traditionally made by nuns. The name 'Toucinho do Céu' translates to 'Bacon from Heaven,' likely referring to its rich, golden color and dense texture, reminiscent of bacon fat.

Portugal·Medium·50-55 minutes

Travesseiro

Travesseiro, meaning 'pillow' in Portuguese, is a traditional pastry from Sintra, Portugal. It features a delicate, flaky puff pastry encasing a rich and creamy almond filling. These pastries are a beloved specialty, often enjoyed with coffee or as a sweet treat.

Portugal·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Travesseiro de Sintra

Travesseiro de Sintra, meaning 'Sintra pillow', is a famous Portuguese pastry consisting of flaky puff pastry filled with a rich, sweet almond cream. These delicate pastries are a beloved specialty from the town of Sintra.

Portugal·Hard·13 hours 30 minutes (including soaking)

Tripas à Moda do Porto

Tripas à Moda do Porto, a hearty and iconic stew from Porto, Portugal, featuring tender tripe and white beans simmered with aromatic meats and spices. This dish, deeply rooted in the city's history, is a true taste of Portuguese tradition.

Portugal·Easy·40 minutes

Açorda Alentejana

A comforting and rustic Portuguese bread soup from the Alentejo region, featuring a fragrant garlic and cilantro base, softened bread, and perfectly poached eggs. This dish is a testament to simple ingredients transformed into a flavorful meal.

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