Saturday in the Kitchen: Traditional Portuguese Food

By Maria Odete Sousa

This is a book of traditional recipes for modern people. Based on the typical portuguese gastronomy and inspired by the author's childhood, this book aims not only to convey the legacy of a valuable heritage but also to adapt it to the present days. The recipes from north to south of Portugal are described with cooking details so that the younger generation is able to easily prepare them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maria Odete Sousa
• Release date: Jun 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476332345

Book preview

Cuisine is the oldest art of food preparation. As time went by, mankind has been perfecting its methods, making them more attractive and tasty.

The idea of remembering the flavors and aromas of my childhood was a very pleasant experience.

This book was written and the recipes were prepared and photographed at dinnertime with my family, that has much appreciated it.

Sharing these moments not only with my family but also perhaps with the world is simply wonderful.

I have written down the recipes with details so that the youngsters can execute them more easily. I hope you enjoy the pleasure of cooking them as much as the taste of this true Portuguese food. I hope you have fun and enjoy it!

With love,

Maria Odete

Roots and Influences of the Portuguese gastronomy

Waterfront planted - as described by a Portuguese Poet - Portugal is a country bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and enriched by the islands of Madeira and the Azores. Awarded with great plains, mountains and terraces, this is favored by a mild climate that is very conducive to both fishing and agriculture, livestock and grazing.

It is by its morphology that Portuguese food is enriched with such a wide range of marine and river products (such as fresh fish and crustaceans), with agricultural and livestock products created or sprouted on our land (various meats, fruits and seasonal vegetables), not forgetting the famous Portuguese wines and olive oils.

With a vast history of intercultural exchanges, offered largely by the Discoveries and the overseas expansion, Portugal was also positively affected in several areas by the different peoples and cultures it interchanged with.

Contacting with nations as culturally diverse as Brazil, India, Japan, China and several countries of the African coast, not only the Portuguese culture, in general, but its food, in particular, have been enriched with new raw materials - including spices, exotic fruits, teas and cereals hitherto unknown.

For all this, I can say that the richness of Portuguese cuisine is the result of not only the delicacies of a country but also a panoply of flavors, aromas, colors and experiences from around the world. A plurality, which I am pleased to share with you.

Portuguese Stew with Rice (Cozido à Portuguesa com