Portugal is famous for its sunny summers that extend well into autumn. Its mild climate is a boon to the tourist industry throughout the year. Its temperate climate promotes widespread vegetation and fruit cultivation. Its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes fish a diet staple among its peoples.

Fish is available fresh, dried, and salted. Shellfish is commonly offered on the platter with little or no garnish. They can be eaten as starters or as part of the main course when combined with other ingredients.

Bacalhau is a famous Portuguese dish made of salted codfish. This can be eaten with cabbage, olive oil, grain, and potatoes. Arroz de marisco is a mouth-watering dish that is made of a rice stew, coriander, onion, and tomato, pepper, and shellfish, including shrimp, mussels, cockles, and spider crabs. Cataplana is usually prepared for two people and gets its name from the shape of the utensil it is cooked in.

Crab, clams, chicken, sardines, lean bacon, and parsley are used in most food preparations. Other preparations are made of frog-fish, ray, sea-bream, grey mullet, and corvine. Arroz de Polvo is a preparation of octopus pieces cooked in tomatoes and onions and served on a bed of white rice. When combined with red wine, it is referred to as Arroz de Polvo com Vinho Tinto. Bacalhau à Braz refers to codfish, fries, and eggs cooked with other vegetables. Others may opt for Bacalhau com Natas, or Caldeirada.

For the less adventurous tourists, grilled sardines could prove to be a respite from complex local dishes. Meat is not very popular but there are a number of pork and cured meat dishes available. Cabidela, Carne de porco à Alentejana, Cozido à Portuguesa, and Ensopado de Borrego nad Leitão à Bairrada are all meat based preparations. Apart from its fresh form, cured meat such as sausage, spare-rib, pig's trotters, smoked ham, and salted pork fat are available.

Soups are an important part of the local diet. They may be eaten as a starter or as the main course, after which diners may eat bread and olives. Apart from this, bread, sweets, and wine are served during most meals.

Thomas Morva
http://www.portugal-source.com/