Bolinhos de bacalhau

Bolinhos de bacalhau (name in Northern Portugal), “codfish cakes”, or “pastéis de bacalhau” (name in Central and Southern Portugal), “codfish pastries”, are a typical dish made with potatoes, bacalhau (codfish), eggs, parsley, and some other minor ingredients. 

The bolinhos or pastéis de bacalhau are deep fried and served before meals or as a meal itself (usually served with rice).

It is a very popular snack in Portuguese restaurants and taverns.

Bolinhos de bacalhau (nome no norte de Portugal), pastéis de bacalhau (nome no centro e sul de Portugal), é um prato típico feito com batatas, bacalhau, ovos, salsa, e alguns outros ingredientes menores. Os bolinhos ou pastéis de bacalhau são fritos e servidos antes das refeições como aperitivo ou como refeição em si (geralmente servido com arroz).

É um petisco muito popular em restaurantes e tavernas portuguesas.

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (Bulhão Pato Clams) is a typical dish of Portuguese cuisine.

It is believed that this dish has its origins in the Extremadura region and it is claimed that its name is a tribute to the Portuguese poet Raimundo António de Bulhão Pato after he mentioned a cook in his writings.

It is a very common dish in seafood restaurants and brasseries, along with the octopus salad, fish roe salad and shrimps. The dish is made with clams, olive oil, garlic, coriander, salt, pepper and lemon (for seasoning before serving). Some recipes may add a small amount of white wine.

Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato é um prato típico da culinária portuguesa.

Estima-se que tem a sua origem na região da Estremadura e que o nome deste petisco é um tributo ao poeta português Raimundo António de Bulhão Pato após este ter mencionado um cozinheiro nos seus escritos.

É um prato muito comum em marisqueiras e cervejarias, a par com a salada de polvo, salada de ovas e camarão. O prato é confecionado com amêijoas, azeite, alho, coentros, sal, pimenta e limão (para temperar antes de servir). Algumas receitas podem adicionar uma pequena porção de vinho branco.

Praia de São Pedro de Maceda

Praia de São Pedro de Maceda is a beach in the Municipality of Ovar, nearby the town of Maceda, 40kms south of Porto.

The beach is part of a natural forest park and it is frequented by nudists, surfers and young people. During winter the sea can be dangerous and really cold and it’s often devastated by the force of the sea originating a peculiar landscape.

The beach facilities satisfy the holidaymakers, whether for its access or for its parking, among other infrastructures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Photos by guizel

Canja de galinha

Canja de galinha, or simply canja, is a popular chicken soup of Portuguese cuisine. The Portuguese term galinha means "hen".

The basic ingredients include chicken, rice or massa pevide. Common flavoring ingredients are olive oil, mint, salt and pepper. It is sometimes accompanied by slices of Portuguese broa bread on the side for dipping.

Canja de galinha is usually consumed by Portuguese people when they have a cold. In Portugal, canja de galinha is widely believed to help a person overcome colds, digestive problems, and other mild forms of sickness.

Since canja de galinha is very simple and light, it is often consumed before a main course meal as well as a late supper.

 

 

 

Monsaraz

Monsaraz is a municipality (Freguesia in Portuguese) in the district of Reguengos de Monsaraz in the Alentejo Region in Portugal, with an area of 88.3 km² and a population of 781 (June 30, 2011). The population density is 8.8 inhabitants per km². Since 1838 Monsaraz belongs to the district of the same name, 15 km from the town Reguengos de Monsaraz .

The village of Monsaraz was conquered from the Moors in 1167, by the men of Geraldo Geraldes (The Fearless). The first charter was granted by D. Afonso III, on January 15, 1276. The castle of Monsaraz played over the centuries the role of sentinel of the Guadiana river, guarding the border with Castile. The village came to administer three parishes: Matriz de Santa Maria da Lagoa, Santiago e São Bartolomeu.
Monsaraz helds an important cultural event, with biennial format called “Monsaraz Open Museum”, an initiative that usually takes place in July.

“Aficionados” of bullfighting, the people of Monsaraz intend to enjoy an exceptional status regarding the death of the bull, as happens in the village of Barrancos since 2002, they can legally kill the bull in the arena.

Those who visit this historic village can not only appreciate the monumental heritage and landscape, but also exhibitions of various art forms that are permanently displayed in the cycle of exhibitions in the Santiago’s church.

Monsaraz was, in 2007, finalist in the national contest "7 Wonders of Portugal".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praia de Odeceixe

Praia de Odeceixe is a beach in the Municipality of Aljezur, Algarve, Portugal. The beach is on the western Seaboard in the extreme north west of the Algarve. It is inside the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The beach is 2.1 miles (3.4 km) west of the village of Odeceixe, and is 77.9 miles (125.4 km) north west, by road, from the region’s capital of Faro.

The main beach of Praia de Odeceixe is located at the mouth of the Rio Seixe (River Seixe). Praia de Odeceixe’s location is right on the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo. This sandy beach is on the southern side of the outflow to the sea. The northern side of the river has a backdrop of steep cliffs which shelter the beach. To the south of the main beach is a small cove with a sandy satellite beach called Praia de Adegas which has been designated a naturalist beach. Also to the south of the main beach is the small village at Praia de Odeceixe, from where a steep path descends to the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praia de Porto Santo

Porto Santo’s beach is a yellow sand beach in Porto Santo Island, Madeira, Portugal. Its total length is nine kilometers.

The beach is also known for the therapeutic properties of its sands. Scientifically proven fact, this beach is indicated for rheumatic and orthopedic problems.

The beach of Porto Santo is usually divided into areas for better management: Calheta, Cabeço da Ponte, Ribeiro Cochino, Ribeiro Salgado, Fontinha and Penedo. Fontinha is the only area with blue flag.