In the pantheon of great Portuguese foods, there are few sandwiches that are more superlative than the bifana. Essentially pork, bread, and sauce, it’s comfort food at its simplest.
Portuguese
If you’re looking to zero in on our most beloved and popular Portuguese recipes, consider the humble Pastéis de Bacalhau (salt cod and potato fritters) as a nibble. And there’s this lovely modern Portuguese recipe variation: Chouriço and Potato Balls. Same concept but using the classic Portuguese sausage in place of fish.
My grandmother’s malassadas (Portuguese doughnuts) are always a crowd-pleaser. And my Portuguese Orange Olive Cake, which has been sold in a few pastry shops in Paris, no less!) is divine, if I say so myself. But without a doubt, the number-one most popular Portuguese recipe here is Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese custard cups) with their shatteringly crisp shell and creamy custard.
Portuguese Carne Assada
A traditional Azorean dish that boasts meltingly tender oven-braised beef, potatoes, chouriço, and onions. It’s a rustic, homey, Sunday supper sorta dish from David’s VERY Portuguese mom.
Ooni Pizza with Portuguese Sausage and Cheese
This Ooni pizza with Portuguese sausage and sheep’s cheese has a smoky, spicy flavor that is great for pizza Fridays.
Clams with Portuguese Sausage, Garlic, and Cilantro
With flavors like these, you have to wonder why the Portuguese ever left home during the Age of Discovery.
Homemade Portuguese Chouriço
If you’ve got some time, patience, and access to a smoker, homemade smoked Portuguese sausage is within your reach. Go on. Impress your friends.
Portuguese Smashed Potatoes ~ Batatas à Murro
Portuguese smashed potatoes are a spectacular way to update that same-old side dish. Crisp outside, tender inside, and doused with salty garlic and oil.
Portuguese Bean Soup
A leisurely way to make a super comforting and filling soup that makes rainy days more bearable. And the leftovers are even better.
Portuguese Almond Torte ~ Bolo de Amêndoa
Dense and rich, this gluten-free cake is a fave among the Portuguese, and anyone who’s ever tried it. Its unforgettable taste comes from almonds, lemon, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Pastéis de Bacalhau ~ Salt Cod Fritters
One of Portugal’s most beloved dishes, these deep-fried fritters are a melding of salt cod, potato, and onion that are readily devoured.
Grilled Shrimp with Piri-Piri Sauce
A simple hot pepper sauce made from piri-piri peppers brings big flavor to shrimp in mere minutes. Those Portuguese know what they’re doing.
Milk Mayonnaise
Maionese de leite in Portuguese, milk mayonnaise–you heard us–is a creamy, eggless emulsion held together by oil, milk (natch), and a lotta love.
Portuguese Clams with Vinho Verde ~ Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato
A poetic take on fresh clams simmered in white wine. This comforting Portuguese classic is sorta the epitome of simple done well.
Portuguese Deep-Fried Green Beans
In Portugal, deep-frying beans is a long-standing tradition. Serve these peixinhos da horta as a starter, snack, or, as the Portuguese do, a side dish.
Portuguese Fennel Soup
Fennel soup, or sopa de funcho in Portuguese, is a staple in Madeira and the Azores Islands. This recipe is full of fennel, pork, sausage, cabbage, and beans.
Portuguese Salad of Black-Eyed Peas with Tuna
Earthy black-eyed peas, Portuguese tuna, sliced onion, garlic, and parsley are tossed together in a vinegar-y salad dressing for a quick, nutritious salad.
Portuguese Duck Risotto
A dreamy, creamy riff on the classic arroz de pato, this dish call in flavor favors from duck, cured ham, spicy sausage, and tangy oranges.
Portuguese Mini Lemon-Orange Cakes ~ Queques
These diminutive queques are flavored with a hint of citrus that’s equally welcome at breakfast, tea, or any other hour of the day, quite frankly.
Portuguese Tea Flan
Creamy custard is infused with tea for an unusual take on the classic Portuguese flan. The classic caramel topping gives the dessert its depth and sweetness.
Caçoila ~ Portuguese Stewed Beef
A Portuguese classic made with beef and peppers, caçoila de Pico is a slowly simmered affair that’s well worth the wait.
Portuguese Coconut Custard Tarts
Sweet custard flecked with flakes of coconut are what you can expect from pasteis de coco, a dessert classic from Portugal.