Flavors of Portugal: Easy Recipes and Fun Food Facts for Kids
Portuguese food is known for being flavorful, healthy, and full of tradition. Spices like cinnamon and curry powder, and ingredients like onions, garlic, cloves, olives, and grapes are part of everyday meals. Portugal’s location by the sea also means there’s always fresh fish and shellfish, while the countryside brings meat, vegetables, and cheese to the table.
Popular Portuguese Dishes
Here are some common meals you’ll find in Portugal:
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Cozido à Portuguesa: A mix of vegetables and meats, especially pork, all stewed together in one pot.
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Breakfast: Usually simple—coffee and a fresh bread roll.
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Lunch: A favorite is Caldo Verde, a green soup made with potatoes, cabbage, and sausage.
Sweet Treats Loved by All
Portuguese people have a sweet tooth! Here are some classic desserts:
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Cinnamon pudding
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Flan
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Caramel custard
Many of these recipes come from old convents, and some are even kept secret!
Try These 3 Easy Recipes at Home
Want to cook like the Portuguese? Here are three simple dishes you can try with your family.
1. Portuguese Chicken Soup
A warm and healthy meal for any day
Ingredients:
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1 chicken breast with skin
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1 onion
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4 parsley sprigs
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½ tsp lemon zest
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1 mint sprig
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6 cups chicken stock
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⅓ cup thin egg noodles
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2 tbsp chopped mint leaves
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Salt and white pepper
How to make it:
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Simmer chicken, onion, parsley, lemon zest, and mint for 35 minutes.
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Take out the chicken, let it cool, and shred it.
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Strain the broth, bring it to a boil, and add noodles and chopped mint.
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Stir in the chicken and lemon juice. Serve warm!
2. Portuguese Sweet Bread
A soft and sweet bread perfect for breakfast or snacks
Ingredients:
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1 cup milk
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1 egg
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2 tbsp margarine
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⅓ cup sugar
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¾ tsp salt
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3 cups bread flour
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2½ tsp dry yeast
How to make it:
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Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, salt, egg, margarine, and flour. Mix until smooth.
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Knead dough for 5 minutes, place in a bowl, cover, and let rise for 2 hours.
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Shape the dough and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes. Let it cool and enjoy.
3. Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata)
A delicious treat with a creamy center and flaky crust
Ingredients:
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1 cup milk
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3 tbsp cornstarch
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½ vanilla bean
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1 cup sugar
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6 egg yolks
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1 pack puff pastry
How to make it:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line muffin tins with puff pastry.
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Cook milk, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla until thick. Slowly mix into the egg yolks.
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Pour into pastry cups and bake for 20 minutes. Cool and serve.
Learn While You Cook!
Learning Portuguese through food is one of the most exciting ways to explore the culture. With Dinolingo’s Portuguese program, kids can learn about delicious dishes and language at the same time through fun games, cooking stories, and interactive videos.