Food of Portugal (Paperback)

by Jean Anderson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Portugal, as much as Portuguese cooking, is the subject of this book, which is enlivened by veteran food writer (coauthor of The NEW Doubleday Cookbook Anderson's familiarity with the country's people, regions, rivers and markets. A lengthy glossary in the introductory section notwithstanding, the narrative is buoyed by historical notes, reminiscences and tips on the best inns and restaurants in Portugal. When Portuguese is used in the recipes, the English translation is also included, thereby precluding the necessity of making frequent reference to the glossary, a mild annoyance with many ethnic cookbooks. The recipes depend on simple ingredients, often in unusual combinations ("pork and clams may sound like a new low in surf 'n' turf dinners, but it is in fact a Portuguese classic"), subtly seasoned with olive oil, bay, tomatoes, garlic and the spices of the East introduced to Portugal by explorer Vasco da Gama at the turn of the 16th century. Meat, fish and chicken, often marinated, and soups are emphasized. In the interests of health and ingredient availability, some traditional Portuguese dishesmany egg sweets and lampreys, or fat eel, delicacieshave been omitted. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

• An extensive bilingual glossary explains, defines, and describes
• Portuguese food, wine, cooking, and restaurant terms.
• With notes for cooks and travelers on the language
• of Portuguese wine, food, and dining.
• Wine notes have been completely revised and updated.
• Color photographs of Portugal by the author.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Cookbooks; Rev Upd edition (June 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688134157
• ISBN-13: 978-0688134150
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #152,784 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #4 in	Books > Cooking, Food & Wine > Regional & International > European > Portuguese
  #13 in	Books > Travel > Europe > Portugal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a genuine tribute to Portugal, September 4, 2000

By	"elenajoana" (Petaluma, CA United States) - See all my reviews

My Luso-Americano husband bought me this cookbook when I expressed my desire to try to learn to cook Portuguese food for him like his mother and grandmother did. I pulled off a few good meals and loved reading about the country and the Portuguese way of life. A few years later we moved to Portugal to work there, and I found out for myself just how delicious virtually every dish really is! Jean Anderson's book became even more helpful to me, as I was able to translate the ingredients I was buying, understand the reason for combining certain flavors, and taste the original inspirations for Jean's choices. Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and its people (and cuisine) are friendly and accessible -- I wish everyone who wants to experience a truly unique culture would visit. It is NOT Spain or a poor imitation of Spain, and does not deserve to be lumped into all of those travelogues as if it were. We lived there for 4 1/2 years and I can tell you that Jean Anderson's recipes will give you as close a taste to being there as is possible! (Jean, if you're out there I'd love to compare notes some day -- please write to me!)

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's the bible of Portuguese cooking, June 9, 1999

By A Customer

The Food of Portugal is the most complete and authentic Portuguese cookbook I've ever had the pleasure of coming across. Being Portuguese, I was doubtful that anyone could capture the food I grew up eating. But recipe after recipe proved me wrong. Even my mother begrudgingly admitted they were delicious. And that's no small feat.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite portuguese cookbook, August 5, 2003

By	Daniel A. Simoes (Yorktown Heights, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The equivalent of the "Joy of Cooking" in Portugal is the book known as "Tesouro das Cozinheiras." But if you can't read Portuguese fluently, and/or don't know how to cook with european measurements, this wonderful book by Jean Anderson is your answer.

According to the author, she went to Portugal and hobnobbed with the best Portuguese cooks, and brought back their recipes (in some cases making some minor changes) ready to be used by everyone.

I've personally used several of the recipes, and they are authentic, yummy, and easy to follow. I highly recommend this book!