Linguica Stew

Linguica Stew Recipe from Portugal with Onion, Tomatoes, Potatoes, and Peas

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Linguica stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This traditional Portuguese recipe features linguica, a smoked pork sausage with a slightly spicy kick. The combination of linguica, potatoes, peas, and tomatoes creates a delicious and satisfying stew that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Linguica stew has its roots in Portuguese cuisine, where linguica sausage is a staple ingredient. Linguica is a type of smoked sausage that is seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices, giving it a unique and robust flavor. The stew itself is a comforting and rustic dish that has been enjoyed by generations of Portuguese families.

Ingredients

1 or 2 lb (907 g) of linguica
1 medium to large onion
1 (16 oz (454 g)) can of whole tomatoes, crushed
3 to 5 medium potatoes, sliced
1 (16 oz (454 g)) can of peas, drained
water to cover
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Slice the linguica or crumble it into a 3 or 4 qt (3.78 liter) pan.
Sauté the linguica.
Add chopped onions and continue to sauté to remove some of the grease from the linguica.
Once the onions are opaque, drain the grease.
Add the water, tomatoes with juice, diced potatoes, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 20 minutes to 0.5 hour.
Add peas and cook for about 15 minutes longer. Serve with Portuguese rolls or a hard roll.

Variations

Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a twist on the traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice or crumble the linguica before sautéing it to ensure that it cooks evenly.

- Sautéing the linguica and onions helps to enhance the flavors of the dish and remove excess grease from the sausage.

- Cooking the stew for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer and more flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the linguica stew with Portuguese rolls or a crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

- A side salad or steamed vegetables can also complement the stew nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the linguica and onions before adding the other ingredients helps to build layers of flavor in the stew.

- Simmering the stew slowly allows the flavors to develop and creates a rich and hearty dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chorizo or kielbasa can be used as a substitute for linguica if it is not available.

- Canned green beans or corn can be used in place of peas.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

- Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a pop of color and flavor. - Serve the stew in individual bowls with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top.

Pairing Recommendations

A glass of red wine or a cold beer pairs well with this hearty stew.

- A side of pickled vegetables or olives can add a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 400 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Potatoes: 30g per serving

- Peas: 15g per serving

- Tomatoes: 10g per serving

Fats

- Linguica: 20g per serving

Proteins

- Linguica: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium

- Peas: Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Folate

- Tomatoes: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium

Alergens

Contains pork

Summary

This linguica stew is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Linguica stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This traditional Portuguese recipe features linguica sausage, potatoes, peas, and tomatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. With a few simple ingredients and some time on the stove, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of linguica stew that will warm you up from the inside out.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Linguica Stew caught my eye, and I was immediately intrigued.

I had never heard of Linguica before, but the recipe described it as a Portuguese sausage that was smoky and flavorful. I could almost taste it just by reading the ingredients. The combination of tender potatoes, hearty beans, and savory sausage sounded like the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

I knew I had to learn how to make this stew, so I set out to find the ingredients. The first challenge was finding Linguica sausage, as it wasn't a common ingredient in my local grocery store. But after asking around, I was able to track some down at a specialty meat market in town.

Next, I gathered the rest of the ingredients – potatoes, onions, garlic, beans, and a few other seasonings. As I chopped and sautéed, the kitchen filled with the warm, rich aroma of the stew coming together. I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

After simmering for an hour, the Linguica Stew was ready. I ladled it into a bowl and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the smoky sausage, the creamy beans, the tender potatoes. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

From that moment on, Linguica Stew became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a cozy night in. Each time I made it, I would tweak the recipe slightly, adding a pinch more of this or a dash of that, until it was just right.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family who all raved about it. They would ask me where I had learned to make such a delicious dish, and I would simply smile and say, "It's a family recipe." And in a way, it was – a recipe that I had adopted and made my own through trial and error in my own kitchen.

As I grew older, I began to think about the origins of the recipe. Where had it come from? Who had first created it? I did some research and discovered that Linguica Stew was a traditional Portuguese dish that had been passed down through generations.

I was fascinated by the history behind the recipe, and it made me appreciate it even more. I imagined the generations of grandmothers before me who had stood over their stoves, stirring pots of Linguica Stew and filling their homes with the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals.

I felt a connection to those women, even though I had never met them. In a way, they had passed down their love and knowledge of cooking to me through this recipe. And I was grateful for it.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover Linguica Stew, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones. It is a tradition that I will continue to pass down to future generations, just as it was passed down to me.

And so, I will always cherish the memory of that cold winter day when I first saw the recipe for Linguica Stew and knew that I had to try it. It was a decision that changed my cooking and my life for the better.