In the middle of the 19th century, Portugal’s first canned fish company was established. Over the next couple of years, the country’s fish production grew significantly.
Due to the canning techniques that were then refined, the product became a specialty in the country. Since then, the Portuguese have continued developing the process of canned fish.
A can of Portuguese sardines contains much more than delicious fish.
Despite being known for its canned sardine, there are other types of seafood canned in Portugal. This includes octopus, squid, and roe.
- Canned sardines, the classic one. They are usually found in different varieties of oil and can be prepared with different sauces.
- Octopus, usually found pure only with olive oil or already seasoned with garlic or tomato sauce. It is worth eating straight from the can or cooking Portuguese style, pouring its own sauce over potatoes to cook;
- Tuna, you can find top quality canned tuna in Portugal. Try the canned tuna belly, the fleshiest part of the fish;
- Mackerel, this fish is usually canned in fillets, good to eat with toast and in salads;
- Squid, the squid comes with a sauce based on tomatoes, onions, peppers and olive oil, there are also versions with only olive oil;
- Cod, as it could not be missing in Portugal, there is also canned cod. It comes in the form of a sauce made with various vegetables and oil. The sauce can also be prepared with squid.
The magic of tinned sardines
Just 3 quick and simple recipes for you to try:
- Topped on toast or crackers, canned sardines make a simple and light meal or how we call it in Portugal – petisco [pe-tis-co]. Add a spread of mustard, a squeeze of lemon, or some sliced tomatoes and red onion for more flavor.
- Or simple add it to a salad with some green leafs and chickpeas.
- And if you love avocado you can add the canned sardine to an avocado toast or stuff an avocado half with a quick sardine mousse (mashed sardines with mayonnaise).
