Monte Horizonte

The Southern European Atlantic Diet? A new report by the University of Porto Medical School points to how the traditional diet of northern Portugal has resulted in very low rates of death from heart disease. Not a surprise with a diet based in fresh fish and salt cod, red meat, pork, local dairy products, vegetables and potatoes; and Portuguese wine with meals.

So, think of the new saying “A bowl of Caldo Verde soup ( a rich mix of shredded cabbage, potato, garlic, onion and olive oil) keeps the doctor away.  And maybe some local smoked (Chouriço sausage  and white corn bread with that? This is, after all, the land of Vinho Verde-  a fresh, slightly sparkling wine . When it comes to fish, dishes based on river lamprey mix with cod, (Bacalhau, for the hearts and stomachs of the Minho’s population. As for meat, local favorites include the (Serrabulho, which begins its cooking process as boiled pig’s blood before blending with rice. There are also the crackling pork (Rojões) and leg of pork à Clara Penha.