Food and drink in the Algarve, Portugal

Modern and Traditional Portuguese Recipes -

Cavalas com Salsa de Tomates (Mackerel with tomato salsa):

Chef Peter is Swiss, he lives and works in Norway and everywhere he goes, he takes a keen interest in local dishes.  During his visit to Portugal in 2007, he took this traditional Portuguese recipe and developed it further.  So here is.............

Chef Peter's Cavalas com Salsa de Tomates which serves 2

Another 20 minute favourite recipe which can be use as an accompaniment to many other dishes.

Ingredients:

2 whole mackerel or fillets of mackerel

3 finely chopped cloves of garlic

1 pinch dried chilli

1 finely chopped onion

5 big tomatoes or 500 g diced tomatoes

Some black and green olives

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 or 2 bay leaves

Some parsley for garnish

Olive oil

Method:

1. Start by making the salsa.  Heat the olive oil in a frying pan.
2. Add the bay leaves, garlic, onions, chilli and the olives.
3. Stir for a couple of minutes on a medium heat to get the most out of the flavour.  Add the tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the mackerel on both sides
6. To serve, pile the salsa on plates and place the mackeral on top.
7. Sprinkle the dish with a good extra virgin olive oil and parsley.

Serving suggestion: This recipe works very well with grilled tuna or sardines.  Serve with rice or with pan roasted potatoes.

Chef's tip: Make a double quantity of salsa, refrigerate and use the next day, served with pasta as a vegetarian dish.

If you would like to know more about Portuguese Food and Drink, why don't you dip into our Restaurants in the Algarve section and our series of articles on Portuguese Wines and Ports.  We also feature other Modern & Traditional Portuguese Recipes and a glossary of useful Portuguese food & drink words and phrases