| Portugal is a relatively isolated country in Europe. It | | | | cabbage, carrots, potatoes, turnips and rice. |
| shares its only land border with Spain. It is also a nation | | | | * Bacalhau - Bacalhau is cod that is preserved by |
| that has a very rich and long maritime tradition, and | | | | salting. It is actually used for many different dishes, and |
| many links to the wider world. As a result, Portuguese | | | | can be prepared in numerous different ways - |
| cuisine is surprisingly different from that of other | | | | according to some people, over a thousand different |
| European countries, and is influenced by contacts with | | | | ways. |
| the East Indies, the Far East, Africa and the New | | | | * Caldeira - This is a traditional Portuguese stew. It |
| World. Portuguese food is particularly known for its | | | | contains several types of fish, and sometimes shell fish |
| extensive use of fish and seafood (including salted | | | | as well. Vegetables such onions, potatoes and tomato |
| cod), as its use of spices to enhance the flavor of | | | | and also used in the dish. Caldeira is generally flavored |
| many dishes. | | | | with herbs and spices, although the particular choice of |
| Some popular Portuguese foods include: | | | | spices does to some extent depend on the chef's |
| * Cozido á portuguesa - This is a traditional | | | | preferences, and the region. Spices that may be used, |
| meat stew. It is usually made from beef or pork, but | | | | include allspice, cloves, curry powder, ground ginger, |
| sometimes chicken may be used. Portuguese smoked | | | | nutmeg, piri-piri, and saffron. |
| sausages are also usually used in the recipe, as are | | | | |