Hi Reader,

Every January, I find myself in a sort of culinary limbo—caught between the glittering madness of the holidays and the quiet murmur of a new year. The fridge looks like it’s survived a small war: a spoonful of cranberry sauce, a nub of cheese that could qualify as a fossil, and a wilted sprig of rosemary that’s seen better days.
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That’s when The One wanders in, holding a mug of coffee and arching an eyebrow. “You’re reorganizing your life again, aren’t you?” he says, gesturing toward the line of labeled containers on the counter. He’s not wrong. January is when I start to cook with intention again—to clear the decks, but gently.
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Instead of green juice penance, I turn to the kind of Portuguese food that knows how to restore a soul. A bowl of caldo verde, silky with olive oil. A slow-cooked stew that perfumes the house for hours. Food that hums softly in the background while the world outside pretends to be brand-new.
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Because January doesn’t need reinvention. It just needs warmth, patience, and a little garlic.

How to Cook Like It’s January

• Start with what’s left. Those scraps of cheese, ends of sausage, and stray vegetables? That’s the beginning of sopa da pedra or a rustic omelet.
• Lean into olive oil. Forget butter’s holiday hangover. Portuguese olive oil brings light and depth—use it liberally.
• Simmer, don’t sprint. January food should take its time. If the windows fog up, you’re doing it right.
• Don’t chase perfection. The beauty of these dishes lies in their humility. The edges can be rough; the flavors should be honest.
• Finish with something sweet—but simple. Maybe arroz doce (rice pudding), maybe just a slice of orange with cinnamon. Either way, it’s enough.

WHAT'S INSIDE...

• ​Caldo Verde​
• ​Pasteis De Nata ~ Portuguese Custard Tarts​
• ​Bifanas ~ Portuguese Pork Sandwiches​
• ​Portuguese Carne Assada​
• ​Pastéis De Bacalhau ~ Salt Cod Fritters​
• ​Portuguese Pork & Clams | Porco à Alentejana​
• ​Malassadas | Portuguese Doughnuts​
• ​Bacalhau A Bras ~ Salt Cod, Potatoes & Eggs​
• ​Portuguese Orange Olive Oil Cake​
• ​Papo Secos | Portuguese Rolls​

​Caldo Verde​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.85 from 120 votes

Portuguese kale soup, caldo verde, is something you’ll experience literally everywhere in Portugal, from Lisbon’s trendiest restaurants to farmhouses scattered at the edge of villages. Understandably so. Its simple yet sustaining character is appreciated everywhere.

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​Pasteis De Nata ~ Portuguese Custard Tarts​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.82 from 320 votes

This pastéis de nata recipe makes as-close-to-authentic Portuguese custard tarts with a rich egg custard nestled in shatteringly crisp pastry. Tastes like home, even if you're not from Portugal.

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​Bifanas ~ Portuguese Pork Sandwiches​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.86 from 48 votes

Bifanas are traditional Portuguese sandwiches made with thin slices of pork that are marinated and simmered in a sauce of white wine, garlic, and paprika and served on soft rolls with plenty of mustard and piri-piri sauce.

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​Portuguese Carne Assada​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.82 from 33 votes

This Portuguese carne assada from David's VERY Portuguese Mama Leite, is a traditional Azorean braised beef dish made with meltingly tender meat, small red potatoes, chouriço, and onions.

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​Pastéis De Bacalhau ~ Salt Cod Fritters​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.94 from 48 votes

These Portuguese salt cod fritters, called pastéis de bacalhau, are made with salt cod, potato, onion, and parsley and are fried for a traditional Portuguese treat.

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​Portuguese Pork & Clams | Porco à Alentejana​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.77 from 42 votes

This combination of Portuguese pork and clams, also known as porco a Alentejana, is a superbly comforting and oh-so-satisfying dish of marinated pork shoulder and briny clams in a white wine and red pepper sauce.

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​Malassadas | Portuguese Doughnuts​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.91 from 41 votes

These malassadas, or Portuguese doughnuts are an irresistible dessert made with fried dough that's coated in cinnamon sugar. They're a treat that harkens back to my childhood.

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​Bacalhau A Bras ~ Salt Cod, Potatoes & Eggs​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.83 from 34 votes

This delicious lunch, dinner, or even brunch dish is from the classic restaurant Bota Alta, in Lisbon's Bairro Alto district.

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​Portuguese Orange Olive Oil Cake​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.91 from 153 votes

This Portuguese orange olive oil cake has an unforgettably tender crumb and a citrus smack thanks to fruity olive oil, winter navel oranges, and orange zest.

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​Papo Secos | Portuguese Rolls​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.84 from 62 votes

These papo secos are light and airy Portuguese rolls that are the perfect vehicle for the classic --marinated pork slices--or your favorite sandwich fillings or simply a smear of butter.

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