| Briony Stephenson introduces the hidden delights of | | | | exotic spices and ever since Vasco da Gama |
| Portuguese cuisine.Despite the lasting influence it has | | | | discovered the sea route to India at the turn of the |
| had on food in such far-away places as Macau and | | | | sixteenth century, they have proved enormously |
| Goa, Portuguese cuisine is hugely underrepresented | | | | popular. Peri-peri, a Brazilian spice transplanted to the |
| outside Portugal. Often confused with Spanish | | | | former African colonies is used to flavour chicken and |
| cooking, it is, in fact, quite distinct. At its best, | | | | shrimp. Curry spices from Goa are common |
| Portuguese food is simple ingredients impeccably | | | | seasonings. These spices are typically used very |
| prepared. Based on regional produce, emphasising fish, | | | | sparingly, adding subtle flavour and depth to dishes. It |
| meat, olive oil, tomato, and spices, it features hearty | | | | is these influences that have helped make |
| soups, homemade bread and cheeses, as well as | | | | Portuguese food so markedly different from that of |
| unexpected combinations of meat and shellfish.For a | | | | other Mediterranean countries and in Lisbon today |
| relatively small nation, Portugal has surprising | | | | there are scores of restaurants specialising in the |
| gastronomic variety. The Estremadura region, which | | | | cuisines of the old empire as well as Brazilian-style |
| includes Lisbon, is famous for its seafood - the fish | | | | juice bars, offering drinks and ice-cream made from |
| market at Cascais, just outside the capital, is one of | | | | exotic fruits.If there is one thing that typifies |
| the largest in the country - while the production of | | | | traditional Portuguese food, however, it is fish. From |
| sausages and cheese elsewhere adds another | | | | the common anchovy to swordfish, sole, sea bream, |
| dimension to the national cuisine. The Algarve, the | | | | bass and salmon, markets and menus reveal the full |
| last region of Portugal to achieve independence from | | | | extent of Portugal's love affair with seafood. In |
| the Moors, and situated on North Africa's doorstep, | | | | Portugal, even a street-bought fish burger is filled |
| contributes a centuries-old tradition of almond and fig | | | | with flavour. Bacalhau, salted cod, is the Portuguese |
| sweets.Traditional Portuguese food is typified by | | | | fish and said to be the basis for some 365 recipes, |
| fish.Indeed, the Portuguese have a long history of | | | | one for each day of the year. Two dishes are |
| absorbing culinary traditions from other peoples. The | | | | particularly notable. |
| age of discovery was propelled by the desire for | | | | |