Portuguese eggs

Portuguese Eggs Recipe - Traditional Dish from Portugal

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Portuguese eggs are a delicious and traditional dish that features salted dried cod and eggs. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

History

Portuguese eggs have been a staple in Portuguese cuisine for centuries. The combination of salted dried cod and eggs is a classic pairing that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 Portuguese roll or any preferred roll
2 fillets of salted dried cod, soaked as mentioned above
2 beaten eggs
oil for frying
salt (optional, as the soaked cod already has enough saltiness)

How to prepare

Soak each fillet in the egg mixture, then place the egg-coated fillet into the hot oil in a frying pan. Fry on both sides until lightly golden and the cod is cooked. This process doesn't take long.
Serve this dish with bread during picnics.
It pairs well with black olives and a house salad.
It can also be enjoyed cold for breakfast with a roll.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers to the egg mixture before soaking the cod fillets.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When soaking the salted dried cod, be sure to change the water several times to remove excess salt. This will ensure that the dish is not too salty.

Serving Suggestions

Portuguese eggs can be served with bread, black olives, and a house salad for a complete meal. They can also be enjoyed cold for breakfast with a roll.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the egg-coated cod fillets in hot oil is the key technique for making Portuguese eggs. Be sure to fry them until they are lightly golden and cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find salted dried cod, you can use fresh cod or another white fish in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can soak the salted dried cod in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the Portuguese eggs.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Portuguese eggs on a platter with a garnish of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Portuguese eggs pair well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Portuguese eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Portuguese eggs contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Portuguese eggs are low in carbohydrates, making them a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fats, with the oil used for frying being the main source of fat.

Proteins

Portuguese eggs are high in protein, thanks to the eggs and salted dried cod.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin D and calcium from the salted dried cod.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and fish, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Portuguese eggs are a nutritious and satisfying dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Summary

Portuguese eggs are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any meal. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this traditional Portuguese recipe in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a sunny afternoon in Lisbon, Portugal, and I was wandering through the colorful streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city. As I passed by a bustling outdoor market, the aroma of spices and herbs filled the air, drawing me in like a magnet.

I found myself at a small stand where a kind elderly woman was cooking up a storm, her hands moving deftly as she prepared a dish that looked and smelled absolutely divine. Curious, I approached her and asked what she was making. With a warm smile, she explained that she was making Portuguese eggs, a traditional dish that was a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Intrigued, I watched as she cracked the eggs into a hot skillet, adding in a medley of herbs and spices that filled the air with a mouthwatering scent. As the eggs cooked, she told me about how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

I was captivated by her story and by the delicious aroma wafting from the skillet. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. The kind woman noticed my interest and graciously offered to teach me her family recipe.

Over the next few days, I spent hours in her kitchen, learning the intricacies of making Portuguese eggs. I watched as she carefully seasoned the eggs with paprika, garlic, and parsley, creating a dish that was bursting with flavor. She taught me the importance of cooking the eggs slowly over low heat, allowing them to become light and fluffy.

As I practiced making the dish myself, I found that each time I cooked it, it brought me back to that sunny afternoon in Lisbon, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bustling market. The taste of the Portuguese eggs was like a taste of Portugal itself, rich with history and tradition.

I soon realized that this recipe was not just a dish to be enjoyed, but a piece of culinary heritage to be cherished and passed down through the generations. I vowed to make it a staple in my own kitchen, sharing it with my family and friends so that they too could experience the magic of Portuguese cuisine.

Years passed, and I continued to perfect my recipe for Portuguese eggs, making it for special occasions and everyday meals alike. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to the kind woman in Lisbon who had opened her kitchen and her heart to me, sharing a piece of her culture and her family history.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of home, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover this beloved recipe. The taste of Portugal lingers in each bite of the dish, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

In the end, I realize that the recipe for Portuguese eggs is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it is a story, a connection to the past, and a celebration of the present. And as I take a bite of the dish, savoring the flavors that transport me back to that sunny afternoon in Lisbon, I am filled with a sense of joy and gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment.