While not as well known as French, Italian or Indian cuisine just to name but a few, Portugal and Brazil have so many delicious delicacies and dishes that have been gaining worldwide popularity. In this blog, we share our 5 favourite dishes from Brazil and Portugal.
Pastel de Nata
This traditional egg tart pastry was created by Catholic monks in Lisbon during the 19th century, who used leftover egg yolks to make these scrumptious little cakes. Eventually the recipe was sold on to a sugar refinery in Belém, which opened its own Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, that still exists today and is run by the same family. Since then pastéis de nata have taken the world by storm and you can now find plenty of places selling them in the UK!
Bacalhau à Brás
This staple Portuguese dish made from shredded salted cod, onions, garlic, scrambled eggs and fried potatoes topped with olives and parsley, is a must-try wherever you are in Portugal. Originating from the Bairro Alto district in Lisbon, the dish was invented by a tavern owner called Brás, and boy did he come up with something special. Nowadays, there are hundreds of ways to prepare bacalhau, including tons of regional variations, but none are more delicious than the bacalhau à brás.
Farofa
Very unique to Brazil, farofa is a delicious side dish made from farinha de mandioca (toasted cassava flour) usually with bacon and butter, although you can get vegan variants as well. This Brazilian delicacy goes well with just about anything and certainly adds a tasty crunch to any meal.
Polvo à la Lagareiro
No one makes seafood like the Portuguese, with one of the most delicious of these meals being polvo à la lagareiro. This meal consisting of a boiled, baked octopus with smashed, garlic and coriander infused potatoes, never lets you down.
Feijoada
Popular in all Portuguese-speaking countries, feijoada is always on the menu. As the national dish of Brazil, this hearty beany stew with beef and pork is particularly popular in Rio and São Paulo. Served with rice and assorted sausages, feijoada always goes down a treat.
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