Petiscos’ Portuguese Cooking Classes & the Local Food Market
Are you looking for a unique and exciting foodie experience near Lisbon?
If you’re thinking about eating the amazing Portuguese food and at the same time experience the techniques, the history, and the cultural traditions behind it too, this trip is for you!
Photo: A culinary journey. Caldo Verde.
LOCAL FOOD MARKETS: WHERE THE LOCALS EAT
Although the culinary traditions from Portugal please even the most refined tastes, the truth is that most dishes are quite simple. The secret lies in the fact that most of the traditional Portugal recipes are usually made with local ingredients. This explains the freshness and the high quality of the Portuguese cuisine. Besides, there is no better place to shop for local produce, fish and meat than in local markets!
Food is an essential part of the Portuguese culture
Photo: Berlim Balls. Portuguese Doughnuts.
Photo: Fish on the grill.
Take a culinary journey near Lisbon
Portuguese cuisine is simple and characterized by a rich variety of regional dishes. Gathering some herbs and produces from the local markets and later pairing them with timeless recipes, makes possible that many cookers can roll up their sleeves and prepare a variety of succulent Mediterranean dishes. Olive oil, garlic, coriander, onions, bay leaf, paprika, rosemary, leek, lamb, pork, codfish, seabass and dogfish are some of the main ingredients.
Photo: Portuguese Christmas cake Bolo Rei.
PETISCOS MEANING
There is no single word in English to translate ´petiscos´. You may see them in Portuguese restaurant menus as appetizers, snacks or as finger foods, but petiscos are so much more than that!
Petiscos are so significant in the Portuguese food culture, that it even exists the verb petiscar, which could mean ´to eat petiscos´. In fact, petiscar is going out with friends for food and drinks. It’s similar with hanging out, but here there’s food along the way. Actually, petiscar means having fun and sharing in a pretty tasty way!
At its most basic “petisco” is having a small bite but considering knowledge, tricks, and tips behind its preparation. This is because small bites pack a powerful punch when it comes to “petiscos”.
Photo: Cod fritters.
Petiscos: what are they?
Petiscos are some small, but shareable plates of traditional dishes that are normally cheaper than main courses and they are influenced by the region. For instance, petiscos in the Algarve region are different than those in Porto or Coimbra. Moreover, along the coast, petiscos are made more from seafood (so you can find steamed shellfish), while in the central and eastern areas of Portugal meals are more determined by the land (so cheeses and meats are common “snacks” around here).
Some petiscos recipes appear on many menus across Portugal
Petiscos are the perfect reason to share some time with your friends, when you are looking for some delicious dishes and for meals and conversations that last for several hours around the table.
Similar to tapas from Spain, the petiscos in Portugal are a great way to try several typical recipes. Most of the time, you can order various petiscos that you can share, while you enjoy a good Portuguese beer or a bottle of wine.
Photo: Typical Portuguese food. Francesinha.
TYPES OF PETISCOS
There are so many options to choose from! The good thing is they come in small portions so you can order three or four without feeling guilty.
Here are some (it’s impossible to describe them all) of the best petiscos that you can find on a menu in Portugal:
Photo: Bolo do Caco.
PORTUGUESE COOKING CLASSES: AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER
Taking cooking classes are an excellent opportunity to learn about the Portuguese flavours and food. And the best thing is that you will know how to prepare traditional Portuguese dishes.
From garlic butter or grilled limpets, to the emblematic beef on the skewer or the local fish Espada with fried banana, or even to the local fresh tuna with Madeira wine dressing, the amazing world of “petiscos” can be made easy and fun in a cooking experience.
You can take home the recipes, so later on you can replicate the dishes and impress your friends!
Photo: Traditional Portuguese Empadão.
TASTE SETUBAL IN ONE BITE
Take a tour to Setúbal in Portugal and feel the atmosphere of the Local Market which is one of the most beautiful in the world.
This market is more than 140 years old and it can be the best gastronomic experience that you can have in Portugal. Besides, after this journey you will feel like a local.
Here are some guided steps you should follow:
Photo: Fish unloader hat at Mercado do Livramento. Sanjorgepinho. Adapted under license (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Photo: Mercado do Livramento. Setúbal. Viet-hoian1. Adapted under license (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Learn the basics of the Portuguese cuisine and beyond, so you can take a few tricks for your home kitchen
Photo: Pastéis de Belem. Traditional Portuguese recipe.
ENDING UP
Spoil your senses with an exquisite petiscos cooking class on a culinary adventure. This is perfect for foodies wishing to explore the local cuisine and for those who want to enjoy the magic city of Setúbal, away from the most touristy spots. Cook petiscos just like the locals do!
