Portuguese Recipes From The Azores

MARIA'S PORTUGUESE BACALAU

Steps:

• Soak the dried salted cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water several times.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soaked cod, and boil for about 5 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove cod from water, and save water for cooking potatoes. Remove skin and bones from the cod, and flake the meat into pieces using a fork. Set fish aside in a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, 1 clove of garlic, 1 tablespoon of parsley, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pour over the fish, and toss lightly to coat.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the potatoes into the fish water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain under cool water, peel and cut into 1/4 inch slices.
• While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, and saute until golden and caramelized. Stir one clove of garlic into the onions. Set aside.
• Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of a greased 8x11 inch baking dish. Cover with half of the cod, then half of the onions. Repeat layers, ending with onion.
• Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned. Before serving, garnish the top with green and black olives, and hard-cooked eggs. Sprinkle with remaining parsley.

AZOREAN (PORTUGUESE)

Steps:

• In a pasta/stock pot place frozen block of shrimp along with water.
• ***If you are using fresh shrimp be sure to rinse and clean the shrimp before cooking making sure that the shell is still intact.
• Cover shrimp with water and follow remaining instructions for cooking.
• Add remaining ingredients.
• On high heat, place a lid on the top of the pot.
• Allow for block of ice/shrimp to thaw completely.
• Once the shrimp are loose, stir to mix all ingredients well.
• Place heat at a low temperature as to simmer the shrimp for 2 hours.
• This ensures that all the flavors blend well otherwise you may eat them immediately.
• If there are leftovers be sure to refrigerate.
• You can eat them cold or warm them back up in original broth for the next day.
• Enjoy.

AZORE-STYLE FEIJOS (BEANS)

Steps:

• *NOTE: Can also substitute sausage for the bacon or ham hock. Portuguese linguica, Spanish chorizo or Louisiana andouille, vegetarian "soyrizo", etc. are suggestions. My preference being bacon as I don't care for sausage or ham hock.
• For additional flavor, I usually dry roast the spices in a castiron skillet.
• Soak the beans overnight. Cook the bacon or ham hock and drain on paper towel. Next saute the onion and garlic. Once cooled, break up the bacon into little pieces.
• In large Dutch oven or in crock pot, combine all the ingredients, including the water, excluding the salt. If using a Dutch oven, simmer the beans on medium-low for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are soft.
• If using a crock pot simmer on low 8 hours or until beans are soft. Salt the beans once cooked.
• Adjust seasoning before serving. Now season with salt.
• Remove whole cloves, cinnamon stick and whole allspice.
• Great with freshly baked, crusty bread. Tastes even better if prepared one day ahead then warmed.