Portuguese cuisine has become popular worldwide.
Portugal, located on the Atlantic coast of of the Iberian peninsula and to the west of Spain, has a long and storied Mediterranean-influenced culinary tradition. The emphasis is generally on seafood (especially cod), fresh vegetables and olive oil, but Portuguese cooks also use many other ingredients. Piri-piri peppers, black pepper, garlic, coriander, and parsley are typical spices in Portuguese foods and tend to be used liberally (at least by the standards of Northern European and American palates).
Instructions
Bacon and Date Roll-ups
1. Slice eight pieces of bacon in half vertically.
2. Wrap each half-slice around a date and secure with a toothpick.
3. Broil at 400 degrees F for five to minutes, then turn over to cook the other side until crispy and slightly browned. Serve warm.
Fried Almonds
4. Fill a deep frying pan with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and preheat to 350 degree F.
5. Throw in a couple a cups of almonds and cook them for three minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain and season to taste with sea salt and cayenne pepper. They are best served warm but you can store fried almonds for several days.
Lisbon Codfish Balls
7. Soak 16 oz. of dried cod overnight in cold water to soften, then rinse thoroughly.
8. Mix the fish and three diced potatoes in a deep pot. Add water and cook until the potatoes are tender.
9. Drain and mash the fish and potatoes together with one finely chopped onion, 1 tbsp. parsley, and pepper and nutmeg to taste. Mix in three egg yolks.
10. Beat three egg whites until stiff, and fold into the mixture. Drop tablespoon-sized balls into hot oil (350 to 400 degrees F) and cook until golden brown. Serve hot.
Portuguese Garlic Dip
11. Mix 8 oz. of cream cheese with 3/4 cup of mayonnaise (or yogurt).
12. Add eight cloves of crushed or minced garlic, a couple of tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper to taste.
13. Mix well and serve cold with crackers or small slices of toasted bread.
Tags: cook until, golden brown, until golden, until golden brown