17 Portuguese Mariscada Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
For seafood lovers, there's nothing quite like a traditional Portuguese mariscada. This flavorful and hearty dish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The word "mariscada" translates to "seafood feast," and that's exactly what this dish is - a feast for the senses. Made with an array of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato-based broth, this recipe is sure to impress and leave you craving more.
One of the most beloved dishes in Portuguese cuisine is fish stew, also known as caldeirada de peixe. This hearty and flavorful dish is typically made with a variety of fish, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, all cooked together in a rich broth. It's a perfect meal for a cozy night in, and it's easy to make in large batches for a crowd. Try making it with fresh caught fish for an even more authentic and delicious flavor.
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Mariscada – Portuguese Seafood With Rice
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Minced Garlic, Coriander Leaves, Onions, Oil
Another popular seafood dish in Portugal is mariscada, a flavorful mix of clams, mussels, shrimp, and other seafood cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce and served over rice. This dish is bursting with flavor and can be easily customized to your liking by adding your favorite seafood or spices. For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
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Mariscada – Portuguese Shellfish Stew
Main Ingredients: Lobster, Shrimp, Mussels, Scallops, Squid, Small Onion
Similar to caldeirada de peixe, mariscada also refers to a rich and hearty shellfish stew. This dish is typically made with a variety of shellfish such as clams, mussels, and crab, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. For a more indulgent version, add a splash of white wine and a dollop of butter to the broth.
Caçoila is a traditional Portuguese dish made with stewed beef, tomatoes, and spices. It's a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for colder weather. This dish is typically served over rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a twist, try making it with pork instead of beef.
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Portuguese Orange Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Oranges, All
For those with a sweet tooth, Portuguese orange cake is a must-try dessert. This moist and flavorful cake is made with fresh oranges and almonds, giving it a unique and delicious taste. It's often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of orange liqueur to the cake batter.
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Portuguese Chickpea Salad
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Yellow Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Fresh
This refreshing and light salad is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. Made with chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, it's a perfect side dish or light lunch option. Add some grilled chicken or fish for a more filling meal.
Kale soup, also known as caldo verde, is a simple yet flavorful soup that's popular in Portuguese households. Made with potatoes, kale, and chorizo sausage, it's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for chilly days. For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add some beans for protein.
Beans are a staple in Portuguese cuisine, and this dish is a great example of how delicious they can be. Made with white beans, linguiça sausage, and spices, this dish is full of flavor and protein. For an even heartier version, add some chunks of potatoes to the dish.
Portuguese egg tarts, also known as pastéis de nata, are a popular dessert in Portugal and around the world. These flaky pastries are filled with a creamy egg custard and are a must-try for any dessert lover. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for an extra flavorful touch.
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Spicy Portuguese Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Large Shallot, Garlic, Olive Oil, Shrimp, White Wine
This dish is a favorite among seafood lovers. Made with shrimp, garlic, paprika, and other spices, it packs a flavorful punch. For a smokier flavor, grill the shrimp instead of cooking them on the stovetop.
For a healthier option, try this baked fish dish. Made with fresh fish, tomatoes, and herbs, it's a light and flavorful meal that's easy to make. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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Peri-peri Chicken, the Spicy Portuguese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chili, Garlic, Lemon, Paprika, Bay Leaf
Peri-peri chicken is a popular dish in Portugal and other parts of Africa. This spicy and flavorful chicken is marinated in a tangy peri-peri sauce and grilled to perfection. For an extra spicy kick, add some diced chili peppers to the marinade.
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Portuguese Style Baked Eggs
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic, Crushed Red
Baked eggs are a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This Portuguese version is made with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, and can be easily customized by adding your favorite vegetables or meats. Serve with crusty bread for a delicious and filling meal.
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Portuguese Rolls – Papo Secos
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Warm
Papo secos, also known as Portuguese rolls, are a staple in Portuguese cuisine. These crusty rolls are perfect for sandwiches or as a side to soups and stews. For a unique twist, add some herbs and spices to the dough before baking.
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Portuguese Chicken and Crispy Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Potatoes, Marinade, Ancho Chilies, Smoked
This dish is a comfort food classic in Portugal. Made with chicken, potatoes, and a flavorful broth, it's a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Add some olives or capers for an extra burst of flavor.
Shrimp Mozambique, or camarão à moçambique, is a popular seafood dish in Portugal. Made with shrimp, beer, and spicy seasonings, it's a flavorful and easy dish to make. Serve with a side of rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
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Portuguese Style Parisienne Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic Salt, Paprika, Dried
Parisienne potatoes, also known as batatas à parisienne, are a popular side dish in Portuguese cuisine. These small, round potatoes are cooked in a flavorful sauce and are a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Add some fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
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French toast (Portuguese style)
Main Ingredients: Bread, Milk, Eggs, Sugar, Cinnamon, Vegetable Oil
For a twist on a classic breakfast dish, try making French toast the Portuguese way. Made with bread, eggs, milk, and spices, it's a simple yet delicious meal that's perfect for a lazy weekend morning. Serve with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
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Portuguese Grilled Pork Ribs
Main Ingredients: Pork Rib, White Wine, Garlic, Fresh Thyme, Olive Oil
Pork ribs are a popular dish in Portugal, and for a good reason. These ribs are marinated in a flavorful spice rub and grilled to perfection. For a tangy and refreshing twist, serve with a side of pineapple salsa.
For a sweet and delicious dessert, try making Portuguese egg tarts. These custard tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg filling, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
The Ingredients
Fresh Seafood Selection
The key to a delicious mariscada is using the freshest seafood available. This can include a variety of shellfish such as clams, mussels, shrimp, and crab. Some recipes also call for white fish like cod or haddock. Make sure to source your seafood from a reputable fishmonger or market to ensure the best quality.
Aromatic Herbs and Spices
To add depth and flavor to the dish, fresh herbs and spices are essential. The most commonly used herbs in Portuguese mariscada are parsley, cilantro, and bay leaves. Garlic, paprika, and saffron are also important for creating the signature taste of this dish.
Tomatoes and Broth
The base of the mariscada is a rich and flavorful tomato broth. Using ripe and juicy tomatoes is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. For the broth, fish or seafood stock is traditionally used. However, you can also use a combination of chicken and vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Other Ingredients
While seafood, herbs, and broth are the main components of this dish, there are a few other ingredients that add to the overall taste and texture. Onions, bell peppers, and potatoes are often included in the recipe, providing a hearty and filling element to the dish.
The Preparation
To begin, clean and prepare all of your seafood. Make sure to remove any shells or beards from the mussels and clams and devein the shrimp. Next, sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pot over medium heat until they become soft and fragrant. Add in the herbs and spices, followed by the tomatoes and broth. Let the broth simmer for about 10 minutes before adding in the seafood. Cook until the seafood is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful broth.
In Conclusion
Portuguese mariscada is a classic and beloved dish that showcases the flavors of the sea. With fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato broth, this dish is a must-try for any seafood lover. So next time you're looking for a special meal to impress your family or guests, give this traditional recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.