Few countries rival Portugal when it comes to the sheer number of Christmas dishes, which is especially impressive given the size of the country. From north to south, kitchens are filled with delicious aromas and truly irresistible flavors, making Christmastime an amazing treat for the tastebuds.
So, what are the Christmas traditions of Portugal? Here we start on a journey that will travel through several regions, getting to know the most famous wintertime dishes, some of which are so simple, you will be able to effortlessly recreate a Portuguese Christmas dinner in your own home. Let’s get started!
1. Bacalhau com Broa
Bacalhau com Broa is an incredibly famous dish that is normally eaten at dinner on Christmas Eve. It is made with codfish and broa (a typical Portuguese bread made with wheat flour and corn that you can find at any bakery or grocery shop), layered with sliced onion and potatoes. This is a dish loaded with contrasts in flavor and texture.
The preparation is remarkably simple, and everything can be done in advance – a big help at Christmas, which is always a terribly busy time in the kitchen.
2. Polvo Assado com Migas
Tender and tasty, this roasted octopus is a simple dish, quick to prepare, and especially great to give a start to a Christmas Eve dinner.
The octopus is accompanied by migas, a traditional dish from the Alentejo region of Portugal, consisting of a bread porridge, and a typical accompaniment to meat or fish. It might not look very appetizing, but I promise it is worth giving it a chance!
Though extremely specific to the Alentejo region, it is beloved throughout the country and will be present in many Portuguese homes on Christmas day.
Few countries rival Portugal when it comes to the sheer number of Christmas dishes, which is especially impressive given the size of the country. From north to south, kitchens are filled with delicious aromas and truly irresistible flavors, making Christmastime an amazing treat for the tastebuds.
So, what are the Christmas traditions of Portugal? Here we start on a journey that will travel through several regions, getting to know the most famous wintertime dishes, some of which are so simple, you will be able to effortlessly recreate a Portuguese Christmas dinner in your own home. Let’s get started!
1. Bacalhau com Broa
Bacalhau com Broa is an incredibly famous dish that is normally eaten at dinner on Christmas Eve. It is made with codfish and broa (a typical Portuguese bread made with wheat flour and corn that you can find at any bakery or grocery shop), layered with sliced onion and potatoes. This is a dish loaded with contrasts in flavor and texture.
The preparation is remarkably simple, and everything can be done in advance – a big help at Christmas, which is always a terribly busy time in the kitchen.
2. Polvo Assado com Migas
Tender and tasty, this roasted octopus is a simple dish, quick to prepare, and especially great to give a start to a Christmas Eve dinner.
The octopus is accompanied by migas, a traditional dish from the Alentejo region of Portugal, consisting of a bread porridge, and a typical accompaniment to meat or fish. It might not look very appetizing, but I promise it is worth giving it a chance!
Though extremely specific to the Alentejo region, it is beloved throughout the country and will be present in many Portuguese homes on Christmas day.
