Hi Reader,

June 10 is Portugal Day—a national holiday that celebrates Portuguese culture, history, and (let’s be honest) food that could end grudges. It honors the life and legacy of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s literary giant, whose epic poem Os Lusíadas helped define the soul of a nation.

And this year, I’m inviting you to cook along with me.

Whether you’ve got Portuguese roots, have a Portuguese ex (I won’t ask), or just love a good custard tart, this is your moment. From peixinhos da horta to pastéis de nata, I’ve rounded up some of my all-time favorite recipes—dishes that make me feel connected to something deeper than just dinner.

I'm Cooking Portuguese

So, pour yourself a little Vinho Verde, cue up a fado playlist, and get ready to fall in love with the food of my family's homeland.

Vamos cozinhar!

​Portuguese Deep-Fried Green Beans ~ Peixinhos da Horta​

Portuguese deep-fried green beans are lightly battered and fried until crisp. The beans are par-boiled so they're cooked to perfection by the time the coating is golden brown. They disappear as fast as you can serve 'em.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Caldo Verde​

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.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Portuguese Sausage Frittata​

This Portuguese sausage frittata calls for eggs, chorizo or chouriço (Portuguese pork sausage with garlic), onions, and potatoes. Serve it for breakfast, late supper, or cold as a snack.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Portuguese Duck Risotto | Arroz de Pato​

This Portuguese duck risotto elevates classic creamy risotto with the addition of duck, ham, sausage, and orange zest.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Bifanas ~ Portuguese Pork Sandwiches​

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.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Punched Potatoes | Batatas a Murro​

These Portuguese punched potatoes (called batatas a murro in Portuguese), are essentially crisp-skinned, creamy smashed potatoes smothered in caramelized onions and melted cheese. Sharing optional.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Portuguese Clams With Vinho Verde ~ Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato​

This clam dish is a classic. It has a long history in Portugal and for good reason: It's delicious. Portuguese home cooking is distinguished by its gutsy soulfulness. If you're the type who seasons liberally, taste first. This dish is plenty salty and full of flavor.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Pasteis de Nata ~ Portuguese Custard Tarts​

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.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Portuguese Chocolate Salami ~ Salame de Chocolate​

This chocolate salami is an easy, traditional Portuguese no-bake dessert made with butter, confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, tea cookies, and Port wine. It can be customized with your favorite nuts or dried fruits, and is made ahead of time, so it's ideal for entertaining.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Serradura ~ Portuguese Sawdust Pudding​

Sawdust pudding, or serradura, is a Portuguese dessert that's perhaps the easiest and best last course ever. It's made by layering crushed tea cookies with sweetened whipping cream. Three ingredients. And elegant enough for entertaining.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​