PortugueseDiner.com
Ludlow, MA 01056
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Your favorite portuguese restaurants
HISTORY OF PORTUGUESE CUISINE
Portugal launched Europe’s Age of Discovery in the early fifteenth century. The Portuguese built a ship called the Caravela which could sail with, and against the wind.
With this ship the sailed to the west coast of Africa, went around the cape of good hope, discovered Madeira, Azores, and Brazil. They most importantly found an ocean route to the spices in the East.
At the turn of the sixteenth century, Vasco Da Gama brought spices such as; curry, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper to Portugal. As their empire expanded they brought tea from the East, coffee, beans and peanuts from Africa. From the New World came pineapple, hot and sweet peppers, tomatoes and potatoes followed.
In the late 1400’s Portuguese fisherman were catching cod in Newfoundland's Grand Banks. They learned to salt the cod which kept it stored for many months. It was they who introduced Cod to other European countries. It is said that there are 365 ways to cook bacalau the most popular fish in Portugal, one for each day of the year. (The Food of Portugal) 1986
The Portuguese love dry cod (bacalau) in Portuguese), for which there are hundreds of recipes . Two other popular fish recipes are grilled sardines and caldeirada.
Typical Portuguese meat recipes, that may take beef, pork, lamb or chicken include, feijoada cozido a portuguesa, frango de churasco and carne de porco alentejana. Typical fast food dishes include bifanas (grilled pork), prego (grilled beef) sandwiches which are well known around the country. The Portuguese art of pastry has its origins in ancient recipes of which pastes de belem, (or pastéis de nata) originally from Lisbon, and ovos melos from Aveiro are good examples.
Portuguese wines have deserved international recognition since the times of the Roman Empire, which associated Portugal with their God Baccus. Today the country is known by wine lovers and its wines have won several international prizes. Some of the best Portuguese wines are: Vinho Verde, Vinho Alvarinho, Vinho Douro, Vinho do Alentejo, Vinho do Dao, Vinho da Bairada and the sweet: Port Wined, Madeira Wine and the Muscatel from Setubal and Fayais . Port Wine is well known around the world and the most widely exported Portuguese wine. (Wikedia)2008
Wine (red, white and green) is the traditional Portuguese drink, RoséVinho Verde, or green wine, is a specific kind of wine, which can be red, white or rosé, and is only produced in the northwest (Minho province). The term "green wine" does not refer to the colour of the drink but to the fact that this wine needs to be drunk "young". A green wine should be consumed as a new wine while a "maduro" wine usually can be consumed mature. Green wines are only produced in the north of Portugal and are usually slightly sparkling. Portuguese wine is of high quality and in the last years has been considered by specialists among the best in the world. Port wine is a fortified wine of distinct flavour produced in Douro normally served with desserts. Vinho da Madeira, is a regional wine produced in Madeira similar to sherry. From the distillation of grape wastes from wine production is made a variety of brandies (called aguardente, literally "burning water") which are very strong tasting. Typical liqueurs such as Licor Beirão and Ginjinha are very popular alcoholic beverages in Portugal. being one of the most popular among foreigners but not very appreciated by Portuguese themselves. (wikepidia)
Map of Portugal
Ludlow, MA 01056
ph: 413-626-8275
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