The Viking guide to

Portugal

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in

seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”
- Marcel Proust
 Cruise Portugal’s River of Gold: the majestic Douro.
Winding cobbled streets, golden
Discover Portugal
sands, bustling cities and sparkling
seas – Portugal has everything you
could want from a travel destination,
and more. Immerse yourself in the
country’s rich historical past as you
explore Medieval castles, UNESCO
with Viking
World Heritage sites and fascinating
museums. Cities like Lisbon conjure
up a sense of old and new that is
simply magical, combining ornate
churches, cobbled hills and iconic
yellow trams with the vibrancy and
curiosity of the here and now.
Away from the city centres, set aside
some time to get up close to nature,
as you marvel at Portugal’s stunning
green landscapes and mountains.
In the Douro region, visit clifftop
viewpoints overlooking the river
valley, or sit and watch the world go
by from the tranquil waterside.
Just as the wine in Portugal
shouldn’t be missed, neither should
the cuisine. Rustic, fresh and full
of flavour, authentic Portuguese
cooking combines simple ingredients
harvested from the surrounding
landscapes, brought together using a
selection of herbs, preserves and the
occasional bit of spice.
 The Portuguese capital offers an eclectic mix of traditional and modern, making it one of the

Lisbon highlights of our Portugal’s River of Gold cruise. From its stunning Praça do Comércio on
the River Tagus to the marvellous Jerónimos Monastery with its world-renowned cloisters,
Lisbon is a city that seduces.

Founded in Neolithic times by
Iberian celts, Lisbon (it means “safe
harbour”) is set on seven hills. It
took two centuries for the Romans
to gain a foothold in the Iberian
Peninsula, but by the 8th century,
the Moors were in control. Portugal
was a colonial power by the 1400s
and famous explorer Vasco da Gama
is buried at Jerónimos Monastery.
Lisbon’s turning point came in 1755
when it was destroyed by an epic
earthquake. Redesigned by the
Marques de Pombal, Lisbon was
rebuilt most notably in Baixa with its
broad avenues and spacious squares.
Today, you can wander the fortified
Lisbon Moorish quarters or barrios:
Bairro Alto for its nightlife, trendy
Chiado on the west, and multi-cultural
Mouraria, ancient Alfama and Castelo,
with the 12th century São Jorge
Castle to the east.
v
Must sees
Tourists flock to the UNESCO World
Heritage site of Belém Tower, while
the Museu do Teatro Romano houses
the ruined Roman amphitheatre
built by Augustus. Visit the Calouste
Gulbenkian Museum north east of
Eduardo VII Park, which houses a
magnificent collection of Egyptian,
Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian and
European art, including works by
Rembrandt and Monet.
In the city’s historic Alfama quarter,
the battlements of the Moorish São
Jorge (Saint George) castle give a
bird’s-eye view of the capital. Alfama
is the only district that survived the
earthquake and a stroll here takes you
along cobbled stones and up soaring
hills – there are plenty of cafés en
route.
Lisbon is also the spiritual home of
fado, the plaintive folk music that
permeates the city. Visit the Museu
do Fado and stroll to nearby Clube
de Fado to experience the best
performers.
Lisbon Cathedral, with its two bell
towers and a rose window, is the city’s
oldest building dating from the 12th
century. The capital’s more recent
links to Christianity can also be seen at
the delightful Madre de Deus Convent
on the city’s eastern edge, now home
to the National Azulejo Museum of
ceramic tiles. Santa Justa Elevator
built by the Portuguese-born French
architect Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard
and inaugurated in 1902 is a major
Lisbon attraction. The 45m-high
iron tower, observation platform and
walkway connects lower Baixa with
Carmo Square.
 Experience the delights of Lisbon on our Mediterranean Explorer and Crossing ocean cruise.
Another iconic sight is the yellow
wooden Tram 28. Start your journey
at the foot of the 18th-century
bohemian Bairro Alto and pass
through Baixa and Chiado before
enjoying churches and castles on
Alfama’s cobbled hills. For contrast,
head for Parque das Nações, where
contemporary architecture has the
backdrop of Europe’s longest bridge,
plus an aquarium, a casino, and an
impressive waterfront promenade
Shopping
Principe Real, an extension of the
Bairro Alto is Lisbon’s hip shopping
quarter. Embaixada is a neo-Moorish
1800s mansion and specialises in
Portuguese design pieces. Baixa is
the old shopping district where the
Conserveira de Lisboa, selling only
canned fish, is a must. Also in Baixa
is Pelcor, with its award-winning cork
design pieces, including handbags
and hats. Upmarket Chiado has
independent shops as well as the
Armazéns do Chiado mall, while along
Avenida da Liberdade you’ll find Louis
Vuitton and Armani
Eating
The Cais do Sodré district has
re-imagined itself as a delightful
riverside area; settle on a bench at
the new food court at Mercado da
Ribeira, Lisbon’s biggest fresh food
market, where 35 kiosks sell regional
specialities. The city is famed for
its seafood and Ramiro is a Lisbon
institution selling tiger prawns, scarlet
shrimp, shellfish crab, lobster, oysters,
as well as traditional clams and
barnacles. Chandelier-lit gilded wood
and stucco interiors and Venetian
mirrors are on display at Tavares,
which serves up sole cooked in a
Champagne sauce and bacalhau (cod
fish). And visit the family-run Pastéis
de Belém bakery; the secret recipe
was sold to them by monks in 1837.
 Trendy and traditional all at once, Portugal’s second largest city is fast becoming one of

Porto
Europe’s most popular destinations. Renowned both nationally and internationally for its
wine, and situated on the banks of the Douro River, Porto is filled with picture-postcard
neighbourhoods and historic architecture.
The city centre is a designated
UNESCO World Heritage site, so
unsurprisingly, it boasts plenty of
notable landmarks and places of
interest. Most of the buildings in
Porto are dated between the 12th
and 16th centuries, giving the place
a romantic, old-world feel, but it’s
impossible to forget the contrasting
buzz of modern life - particularly
when visiting museums such as
the minimalist Museu de Arte
Contemporânea de serralves.
Colourful, crumbling houses, winding
cobbled streets and rickety old-
fashioned trams are just some of the
things that give Porto its charismatic
appeal. When it comes to food, the
area is famed for its high quality
gourmet cuisine, but if you’re on the
lookout for something a little more
rustic, there are plenty of traditional
tapas bars serving home-style
Portuguese cuisine.
Must sees
UNESCO World Heritage site Ribeira
is one of Porto’s most attractive
neighbourhoods. Higgledy-piggledy
streets and houses painted in soft
pastels are a prominent feature, as are
the traditional tascas (taverns) serving
fresh seafood and tapas dishes.
Once you’re in the area, be sure to
pay a visit to Sé do Porto, Ribeira’s
magnificent cathedral. Originally built
during the 12th century, this church
was reconstructed in the 1700s,
although some features - such as
the cloister - remain as they were
centuries before.
In Foz do Douro, you’ll find Serralves,
a cultural hotspot comprising two
museums as well as a large expanse
of manicured gardens. Purchase just
the one ticket and you’ll be able to
enter both the futuristic Museu de
Arte Contemporânea, and Casa de
Serralves, a striking Art Deco exterior
that it’s impossible to miss.
Situated in the Boavista area, Casa da
Música is a definite must-see. Home
of Porto’s National Orchestra, this
minimalist building was designed by
Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and
is where you’ll find some of the best
acoustics in the city.
Head to Massarelos to explore the
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, one of
Porto’s most attractive and popular
sites. Designed by German landscape
artist Emilio David, this network of
gardens boast fountains, sculptures
 Visit Porto as part of our Portugal’s River of Gold cruise.
and leafy olive trees, as well as
fantastic views of the River Douro and
the rest of the city.
Eating
Food-lovers rejoice! Porto is
renowned as the culinary capital
of Portugal and it’s not hard to see
why. Bringing together a mix of fresh
vegetables, seafood and cured or
grilled meat grown and produced in
the surrounding areas, Porto’s cuisine
is often bursting with flavour and
cultural heritage. One popular choice
is caldo verde (kale soup), a healthy,
warming dish usually thickened with
potatoes and flavoured with garlic.
Another traditional favourite is Tripas
à Moda do Porto, a dish that was said
to have been created during the 15th
century, when Henry the Navigator
called upon local residents to help
gather supplies for an upcoming
expedition. The story goes that the
people of Porto responded to his plea
with such generosity, that they were
left with only entrails and organs -
and so, Tripas à Moda do Porto came
about. Today, the meal is usually
served along with sausage, beans,
vegetables and herbs, making for a
truly authentic taste of Portugal.
When it comes to wine, the Douro
vineyards and their world famous
produce are a definite highlight, and
there are so many great places in the
city to enjoy a local tipple. Situated in
the Ribeira neighbourhood, Palácio
da Bolsa houses a tasting room where
visitors can sample some of the
region’s finest quality wines.
Shopping
For high street brand names, make
your way to the Via Catarina Shopping
Mall on Rua de Santa Catarina, or
Avenida da Boavista, where you’ll find
big designers galore. If you’re looking
for something a bit alternative, Rua do
Almada and Rua Miguel Bombarda are
top of the list for music, design and all
things cultural. Another absolute must
is the Lello Bookstore, a treasure-
trove of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves,
winding mahogany staircases and
beautiful stained glass windows. While
teaching English in the city, the author
J.K. Rowling is said to have taken
inspiration for her Harry Potter books
from the shop’s majestic interiors.
 Situated in the middle of the Atlantic, Madeira is known as “the Garden Island” on account of
Madeira its stunning natural beauty; craggy coastlines, rich architecture and diverse wildlife make this
an ideal destination for nature and history-lovers alike.
 Explore Madeira on our Atlantic Crossing ocean cruise.
Nicknamed “Little Lisbon”, the
city of Funchal offers a real insight
into Madeira’s history and culture.
Its picturesque Old Town is an
exercise in elegance and old-world
sophistication, combining historic
15th century buildings, delicate
wrought-iron balconies, and an
idyllic Marina - perfect for a spot of
people watching.
When it comes to festivals, Madeira’s
New Year’s Eve celebrations are easily
the most memorable. Lively and
vibrant, this includes street music,
dancing, parades, costumes and a
spectacular firework show across the
bay.
Must-sees
Europe’s highest cliff skywalk, Cabo
Girão, is located 1,900 feet above sea
level and boasts dramatic views over
the Atlantic ocean. To get to the cliff,
drive up the mountain taking in the
refreshing scent of the surrounding
eucalyptus trees, and stop off at the
observation point. From here, you’ll
be able to peer down into the depths
- just make sure you bring a head for
heights!
Another spectacular viewpoint is Eira
do Serrado, a deep ravine of craggy
crevices, steep slopes and tiny villages
that offers views that are no less than
breathtaking. A short distance north
of Funchal, this area also houses
Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley),
where - as the name suggests - nuns
took refuge during the 16th century, a
time when the area often came under
attack by pirates.
On the central side of Madeira
sits Câmara de Lobos, a pretty
fishing village ideal for a day trip
from Funchal. Grey stone beaches,
colourful fishing boats and higgledy-
piggledy red-roofed houses make for
a picturesque landscape - one that
inspired the paintings of British Prime
Minister, Winston Churchill.
While in Câmara de Lobos, take a bit
of time to explore the fishing chapel.
Decorated with artworks depicting the
life of Saint Anthony, this small, simple
church was often the place where the
wives of fishermen would come to say
prayers for their husbands who were
out fishing on dangerous seas.
Eating and Drinking
No visit to Madeira would be complete
without a glass or two of poncha.
Made by distilling sugar cane juice,
this local favourite is known for its
high alcohol content and sweet,
lemony taste, and is popular in
Câmara de Lobos among the local
fisherman. Although it is traditionally
made with fruit or citrus juices, the
exact type and flavour of juice is
largely dependent upon the area in
which it is served and drunk. As well
as the classic lemon, some typical
flavours include passion fruit, tomato,
orange and even honey.
The island of Madeira is renowned
for its simple, rustic cuisine. Key
ingredients include fresh local fish
such as bacalhau, tuna, beef and
chicken, usually grilled over a wood
fire and accompanied by green salad
and potatoes. Creamy sauces are
also popular in the area, as they add
a touch of richness to the otherwise
simple dishes.
Shopping
When it comes to shopping, the city of
Funchal has many excellent options.
Throughout the city centre, you’ll find
a great selection of small independent
shops selling crafts, jewellery, clothes
and authentic Madeiran souvenirs.
If you’ve got room in your suitcase,
be sure to pick up some traditional
wicker embroidery, or a bottle of the
infamous local wine that takes its
name from the island.
 The sun-soaked town of Peso da Régua - or simply Régua as it’s more commonly known - is

Peso da Régua the biggest riverside destination in the Douro region. A busy transport hub, Régua offers great
links on account of its IP3 Bridge which can be seen towering above the river valley, making it
an excellent place to stay if you plan on visiting some of the area’s many wineries.
 Lose yourself in the streets of Régua’s Old Town on our Portugal’s River of Gold cruise.
Visitors to Régua usually flock
to the waterfront in search of
picturesque views, but the pretty
Old Town shouldn’t be forgotten. It’s
perfect for getting a real insight into
local life, grabbing a bite to eat, or
simply taking in the atmosphere.
Must-sees
As a riverside destination, it’s no
surprise that the Douro River is one
of Régua’s main attractions. Since the
town is a major transport location,
boat trips are available across the
region, and daily excursions to Pinhão
are always a popular choice. If you’re
only in the area for a small amount
of time, or simply prefer to stay local,
opt for a short trip along the river to
take in the sights and soak up some of
that Portuguese sunshine. The smaller
boats can be found at the pier, and as
they’re run by residents of the town,
you can count on getting an insight
into the local history too.
Eating and Drinking
Known across the world as the
town responsible for the first ever
demarcated wine region, Régua is of
course famous for its wineries. At a
Port tasting, you’ll not only sample
some of Portugal’s much revered
beverage, but you’ll learn about the
drink’s history, its relationship to the
Douro region, and of course, how it’s
fortified and aged. Those who like a
little something to accompany their
tipple will be pleased to note that
there’s also the opportunity to learn
about food pairings: why vintage port
is best accompanied by blue cheese,
ruby port by cheddar, and tawny by
parmesan.
If you feel like furthering your
knowledge even more, why not take
a wine tour? These are usually run by
local companies and can be booked
in advance, so they’re a great way to
explore the region’s vineyards and
caves without having to do all the
driving - and organising - yourself.
Most tours can be tailored to the
length of your visit, with half day
options that include a delicious lunch,
as well as longer trips covering up to
three wineries in one day.
v

Situated less than 2 km from the Spanish border, the small village of Barca D’Alva sits on a
quiet stretch of the Douro River, surrounded by mountains and lush green landscapes. With
Barca D’Alva tumble-down cottages and an disused railway line on one side, and a comparatively modern
quayside on the other, this area of the Douro region can sometimes feel like a town of two
halves, and for that reason alone, it’s certainly worth a visit.

“Seeing Michelangelo’s ‘David’ in Florence.”
- Viking guest, Hall of Fame survey, March 2018
Marvel at Barca D’Alva’s wonderful views
when you travel on our Portugal’s River of Gold journey.
As part of the National Park of
Douro Internacional, much of the
land in the surrounding area is rich
in agriculture and greenery, with
many picturesque olive and almond
groves, as well as the famous Douro
vineyards. A popular event in Barca
D’Alva is the Almond Flower Festival
which takes place between February
and March.
Must-sees
For some of the best views across the
village and its surrounding landscape,
pay a visit to Almirante Sarmento
Rodrigues Bridge. A lot of guidebooks
list the abandoned railway as the best
viewing spot, but many locals will tell
you that in fact, everything can be
seen better from the bridge. At golden
hour, shortly before the sun sets, the
mountains, vineyards and riverside
dock are lit by a warm glow that is
simply beautiful, so be sure to bring a
camera along with you.
Perched on top of a hill, the nearby
Castelo Rodrigo is another popular
site - particularly for history and
nature lovers. Dating back to the
feudal period, these tumbledown
ruins make for a good afternoon of
exploring, and, from one of the low
walls, it’s possible to look down and
see Portugal on the one side and
Spain on the other. If you get peckish,
head down the cobbled hill to one of
the cafes for a bite to eat and a drink
- the views are pretty impressive from
there too.
Eating and Drinking
Barca D’Alva has a great selection of
authentic restaurants and bars, so
when it comes to mealtimes, you won’t
be disappointed. Across the town,
the theme is decidedly traditional,
and you’ll get a real sense of what it’s
like to eat like a local. Of course, it’s
always good to get recommendations,
but failing that, spend a bit of time
exploring the streets and see where
your nose takes you. Outdoor grills
and barbecues are common, so don’t
be surprised if you turn a corner and
discover something delicious.
 Less than 30 km from Régua, the pretty village of Pinhão is perfect for a relaxing day

Pinhão trip. Like many towns and villages in the region, wine is - of course - one of the main
reasons many people visit, and it goes without saying that if you’re looking to take a
vineyard tour, you’ve come to the right place.

Favourite memory
“Walking through St Mark’s Square”
Viking guest, Hall of Fame survey, March 2018
Sample some local wines when you visit Pinhão as part of our Portugal’s River of Gold journey.
Must-sees
For those intending to make the
most of the Portuguese sunshine,
Praia Fluvial is a great option when
visiting Pinhão. This thin stretch of
beach sits right up next to the Rio
Douro, and although there isn’t a
huge amount of sand, it’s a lovely
spot to relax in and watch the world
go by. Usually frequented only by
a smattering of locals, this little
beach is perfect for anyone wanting
a peaceful afternoon accompanied
by the beauty of nature and the
sounds of the sea.
During your visit, make a stop at the
railway station. As recommendations
go, this might seem a little
unorthodox, but anyone who’s been
to the area will surely agree that it’s
definitely worth exploring. Situated in
the town centre, the station is home
to a series of 24 intricate murals, each
one depicting an important event in
Pinhão’s cultural and historical past.
Most visitors to Portugal are aware
of the history and origins of its
famous Port wine, as well as the
country’s many high quality vineyards.
Testament to the area’s legacy are the
many rolling hills that can be found
throughout Pinhão - several of these
have been divided into staircases
to help increase grape production,
giving the landscape quite an unusual
appearance. If you’re in the mood to
sample some of the local produce,
book a vineyard tour and tasting
session, but alternatively, spend a bit
of time exploring the greenery and
making the most of the area’s natural
beauty. You won’t be disappointed.
Finally, no trip would be complete
without a visit to the historic Casa de
Mateus (Mateus Palace). Located 3
km from Vila Real, the beautiful 18th
century palace is set in picturesque
gardens and is considered to be one
of the finest examples of baroque civil
architecture in Portugal.
Shopping
Although not extensive, Pinhão’s
culinary scene should certainly leave
you satisfied. Fresh seafood, grilled
meats and vegetables are definite
favourites, all usually accompanied
by potatoes of several varieties, and
fresh green salad. If you fancy heading
slightly further out of town, the
quintas is home to some of the best
restaurants, bars and eateries in the
area.
Food
From salted codfish and hearty bean stews, to the delectable pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard
tarts), Portugal’s culinary scene is an absolute dream. With our specially selected recipes, you’ll be
able to conjure up a taste of the Algarve in the comfort of your own home, without too much effort!
Pasteis de Nata
Found all around Portugal, these delicious little custard tarts are traditionally
served dusted with sugar and cinnamon. It’s impossible to eat just one.
Ingredients
8 1/2 fl oz (250ml) milk
1 lemon, zest only
1 cinnamon stick
3 1/2 oz (100g) superfine (caster) sugar
2 tbsp all purpose (plain) flour
2 1/2 fl oz (75ml) water
3 large eggs, yolks only
11⁄2
11 1/4 oz (320g) all-butter puff pastry
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Gently heat the milk with 2 to 3 strips of lemon
zest and the cinnamon stick to a simmer,
then remove the lemon and cinnamon.
3. Mix the flour with a little of the milk to a smooth
paste, then stir in the rest of the milk.
4. Return to the heat, whisking constantly
for a few minutes until thick.
5. Place the sugar and water in a saucepan,
stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
6. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for 3 minutes,
then whisk into the milk mixture.
7. Place the egg yolks in a bowl and slowly
add the milk mixture, whisking constantly.
Transfer to a jug and allow to cool slightly.
8. Lightly butter all the holes in a 12-hole muffin
tin. Roll the pastry out into a rough rectangle,
then roll each rectangle up from the bottom
to the top. Cut each roll into 12 discs.
9. Place one disc flat into the base of each muffin
hole, then, with wet thumbs, gently press out until
the pastry comes about half way up each hole.
10. Pour the custard into the pastry cases, then bake
for about 15 minutes, until set and caramelized.
11. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon,
then serve while still warm.
Makes roughly 12 tarts.
Serving Suggestion
Historically, these delicious little tarts were made by a
group of Belém nuns, and even today the recipe remains
top secret.
The one thing we do know is that they taste best
sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar, then enjoyed
while still warm from the oven.
Portuguese Bean Stew
(Feijao a Portuguesa)
This hearty warming stew combines delicate
white beans, spicy chorizo and bacon, giving it a
tangy, slightly aromatic flavour. The paprika adds
Ingredients
450g haricot beans
4-5 cups of water
450g chorizo, cut into quarters
450g sliced bacon
1tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped
Method
1. First, soak the beans in cold water
for 8 hours to soften.
2. Once the beans are soft, drain them
and put aside until later.
3. Next, fry the bacon in a pan until the
edges are crispy, then remove, leaving 3
tbsps worth of the fat still in the pan.
4. Gently fry the onion and garlic in the
bacon fat until soft and golden.
5. Add all remaining ingredients, except the bacon,
into the pan with the beans,bring to the boil, and
then simmer for between 1 1/2 and 2 hours.
a hint of smokiness, as well as giving the stew its
deep red colouring. Enjoy it simply on its own, or
with a piece of fresh, thick white bread.
6. Make sure the pot is covered at all
times, although you can remove
the lid occasionally to stir.
7. Once the beans are cooked through,
crumble the bacon on top, add salt
and pepper to taste, and serve.
Makes 6 servings
Serving Suggestion
Hearty, wholesome and comforting, this
dish is best kept simple, as the flavours of
the ingredients speak for themselves.
To serve, give the pot one final stir to ensure
everything is combined, then transfer to a
bowl, add salt and pepper to taste, and crumble
the bacon on top for that extra salty kick.
If desired, enjoy this stew with a hunk of
fresh bread and butter - perfect for mopping
up the juices once you’ve finished.
Bacalhau á Bras
Combining salt cod, fried potatoes, scrambled
eggs and olives, this traditional Portuguese dish is
hearty and flavoursome in equal measure. Buy the
cod pre-salted from a good quality fishmongers or
international supermarket as the curing process
is quite lengthy to do at home, and make sure
Ingredients
500g salt cod, de-boned
2 banana shallots
1 bunch of fresh flat leaf parsley
10 black olives - with stones
10 green olives - with stones
1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes
500g white potatoes (e.g. Maris Piper)
1 garlic clove
6 eggs, beaten
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
1. First, soak the cod in cold water or milk and
leave in the refrigerator for at least 10 hours.
2. Once the fish has softened, remove the skin
and then break apart with your hands.
3. Set aside for later.
4. In a large pan, saute the onions in olive oil until
they are soft and golden but not browned.
5. In a separate pan, stir fry the potatoes in the rest
you leave time to soak the fish before cooking
(between 10 and 12 hours should do the trick,
although thicker pieces will need longer). This
comforting dish does take a bit of time to prepare,
but it’s certainly worth the wait.
of the olive oil for about 3 minutes, then add the
water, cover, and lower the heat to the minimum.
6. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until
the potatoes have softened.
7. Add the cod and milk to the onions, mix
together and simmer on a low heat for
about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. While the cod is cooking, prepare a white sauce
by melting the butter in a pan before gradually
adding in the flour and remaining milk.
9. Stir continually to thicken and remove any
lumps, then add black pepper and set aside.
10. When the cod has been cooking for around
20 minutes, preheat the oven to 200C.
11. After the final 10 minutes, transfer all the
ingredients into a casserole dish, cover with
grated cheese, and bake for 15 minutes.
12. When the cheese has started to turn golden,
lower the heat to 150C, cover to prevent
burning and bake for another 20-25 minutes.
13. Remove from the oven to cool for 10 minutes
before serving.
Serves 4-6
Bacalhau com Natas
A Portuguese favourite, Bacalhau com Natas is a
rich creamy dish that brings the mouthwatering
flavour of salted codfish together with cheese,
potatoes and double cream. Onions, salt and
Ingredients
500g salt cod, de-boned
2 onions, peeled and thinly sliced
1 and ¾ cups of milk
4 tbsp Portuguese olive oil
500g white potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 tbsp white flour
¼ cup of water
½ cup of double cream
3 tbsp grated cheese (e.g. cheddar)
2 tbsp butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
1. First, soak the cod in cold water or milk and
leave in the refrigerator for at least 10 hours.
2. Once the fish has softened, remove
the skin and then break apart with
your hands. Set aside for later.
3. In a large pan, saute the onions in olive oil until
they are soft and golden but not browned.
pepper and traditional Portuguese olive oil are
added for extra depth, and flour helps to give the
sauce it’s deliciously thick consistency.
4. In a separate pan, stir fry the potatoes in the rest
of the olive oil for about 3 minutes, then add the
water, cover, and lower the heat to the minimum.
5. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes
have softened. Add the cod and milk to the
onions, mix together and simmer on a low heat
for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. While the cod is cooking, prepare a white sauce
by melting the butter in a pan before gradually
adding in the flour and remaining milk.
7. Stir continually to thicken and remove any
lumps, then add black pepper and set aside.
8. When the cod has been cooking for around
20 minutes, preheat the oven to 200C.
9. After the final 10 minutes, transfer all the
ingredients into a casserole dish, cover with
grated cheese, and bake for 15 minutes.
10. When the cheese has started to turn golden,
lower the heat to 150C, cover to prevent
burning and bake for another 20-25 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven to cool for
10 minutes before serving.
Serves 4
 Salame de Chocolate
Salame de Chocolate, or Chocolate Salami, is one
of Portugal’s best loved sweet treats. Although
the name hints at a bit of an odd combination, this
recipe is totally vegetarian-friendly, as there’s no
meat involved at all. Combining traditional Maria
cookies and cocoa, this simple dessert can be
made in advance and stored, or enjoyed straight
away with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients consistency, pour into a bowl and add in

the toasted nuts. Mix to combine.
2 egg yolks
5. Break the cookies apart into small pieces
6 tbsp sugar and add these to the bowl, stirring
140g butter again to bring everything together.

2 tbsp cocoa powder 6. Put the mixture in the fridge for about 20
minutes until it is solid enough to be moulded,
1/4 cup almonds then place it onto another sheet of baking
1/4 cup pistachios paper and mould it into a long cylinder shape.

225g dark chocolate chips 7. Once you are happy with the shape, twist
the ends of the paper tightly and then roll
200g Maria cookies (if you can’t find these, use Rich the log between your hands on a flat surface
Tea or biscotti) to smooth out any lumps and bumps.
2 tbsp icing sugar 8. Place in the refrigerator for around 4
Baking paper hours, or until the salami has solidified.
9. Finally, remove the baking paper and
Method dust the salami lightly with icing sugar
before cutting into slices and serving.
1. On a piece of baking paper, toast the almonds and
pistachios in the oven until they are lightly golden. Makes 1 log

2. This should take about 10 minutes.

3. Next, add the butter, sugar, egg yolks and
chocolate chips to a saucepan and cook on a
medium heat, stirring well to avoid any lumps.
4. Once the mixture reaches a smooth
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