Linguica with Potatoes

Linguica with Potatoes Recipe | Traditional Portuguese Dish

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

Introduction

Linguica with Potatoes is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of linguiça, potatoes, and string beans in a savory tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

History

Linguica with Potatoes is a traditional Portuguese dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of linguiça, potatoes, and string beans creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of linguiça or chourico
1 large onion
4 or so potatoes
2 lb (907 g) of fresh string beans (canned will do in a pinch)
salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves of garlic
0.5 tsp of crushed red pepper
1 can of tomatoes (whatever kind you like)

How to prepare

Chop the linguiça or chourico, onions, and add the can of tomatoes.
Cover with water and simmer until heated through.
Cut the string beans into bite-sized pieces (or add canned) and cut the potatoes into stew-sized pieces.
Put this mixture in the pan and add spices.
Cook until the potatoes and beans are done.
If you used canned string beans, you only need to wait until the potatoes are done.

Variations

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

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the linguiça, onions, and tomatoes together to allow the flavors to meld.

- Cut the string beans and potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- If using canned string beans, be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Linguica with Potatoes with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the linguiça, onions, and tomatoes together helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Be sure to cook the potatoes and string beans until they are tender but not mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find linguiça, you can use chorizo or another type of smoked sausage.

- Canned diced tomatoes can be substituted for fresh tomatoes in a pinch.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Linguica with Potatoes with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Linguica with Potatoes with a crisp green salad or a side of sautéed greens for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

30g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork (linguiça) and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Linguica with Potatoes is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Linguica with Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will please your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll through the bustling farmers market in town. As I meandered through the rows of colorful produce and fragrant flowers, my eyes landed on a small stand that seemed to be radiating a warm, comforting aroma. Curious, I made my way over and was greeted by an elderly woman with a kind smile.

She introduced herself as Maria and told me that she was selling homemade Linguica with Potatoes. I had never heard of this dish before, but the savory scent that wafted from the pot on her stove was enough to make my mouth water. Maria noticed my interest and offered me a sample. One bite was all it took for me to fall in love with the dish.

I asked Maria for the recipe, hoping she would share her culinary secrets with me. To my surprise, she agreed without hesitation. She explained that Linguica with Potatoes was a traditional Portuguese dish that had been passed down through her family for generations. As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with pride and nostalgia, and I could see the love and passion she had poured into perfecting the recipe over the years.

I scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap of paper, thanking Maria profusely for her generosity. As I made my way home, my mind was already buzzing with ideas on how to make this dish my own.

Back in my kitchen, I gathered the ingredients and got to work. The aroma of the Linguica sizzling in the pan mingled with the earthy scent of the potatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that filled the room. I followed Maria's instructions to the letter, careful not to deviate from her tried and true method.

As the dish cooked, I couldn't help but think back to that fateful day at the farmers market. Maria's kindness and willingness to share her family recipe had sparked a newfound passion in me. I realized that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions, but about preserving traditions and creating memories to pass down to future generations.

When the Linguica with Potatoes was finally ready, I scooped it onto a plate and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, transporting me back to Maria's stand at the farmers market. I could taste the love and history that had gone into creating this dish, and I felt grateful to have stumbled upon it that day.

Since then, Linguica with Potatoes has become a staple in my kitchen. I have made it countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. Each time I cook it, I am reminded of Maria and the joy of discovering a new culinary tradition.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Linguica with Potatoes, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to this delicious dish. I may not have been born into a family of master chefs, but thanks to Maria's generosity, I have a piece of culinary history to call my own. And for that, I will always be thankful.