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Like any
other country
Portugal has a wide variety of snacks and
appetizers available, however many of them you may not
be familiar with. Gekkoportugal has identified some of
the most popular snacks and appetizers currently
available in
Portugal today and if you haven't already
tried some of these tasty morsels, why not give them a
go. After all, as the Shakespearean saying goes, 'When
in Rome, do as the Romans do.' |
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Azeitonas
(Olives) |
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No self
respecting Portuguese restaurant would be complete
without a bowl of azeitonas (olives).
Olives are a staple appetizer and served at most
establishments, but are readily available in
supermarkets and markets.
However
with the abundance of olive trees in the country, why
try preparing and bottling your own, fresh from your own
trees, spiced to your palette? Remember though if you
are going to preserve Olives never to use metal utensils
during the process as this spoils the taste. |
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Tremoços
(Broad Beans) |
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Tremoços (Lupini
Beans) are a favourite snack for the Portuguese best
enjoyed with friends over a beer.
Tremoços,
which resemble a flat flava bean, are usually provided
for free but can be quite tricky to consumer to a novice
and there is a 'knack' to eating them.
Using
you teeth you must tear the outer skin, bite down to
'pop' the bean out and into your mouth. Getting the hang
of this can produce some amusing situations.
Tremoços are
also available in most supermarkets. Usually preserved
in brine they can be purchased either vacuum packed or
in jars. |
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Caracois
(Snails) |
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Snails
are perhaps most associated with France and something
you may not expect to find on the menu in
Portugal.
In fact
you would be right. Snails (caracois) are considered a
tasty snack in Portugal, to be consumed during the
spring and summers months with friends over a beer. |
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Unlike
France, which usually serves the larger garden variety
of snails, the Portuguese palate prefers the younger,
smaller variety.
Cooked
with a variety of herbs and the zest of a lemon or with
pepper the Caracois are served up in small dishes or
plates with tooth picks to help you hook out the now
cooked crustaceans.
however
the easiest and best way to devour Caracois has to be by
sucking out the contents, washed down with a healthy
swig of beer. |
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