Explore the rich tastes of Portugal-Açorda or famous Snack in Portugal , a classic dish with garlic,olive oil, cilantro, and bread, often enhanced with seafood.

Experience coastal cuisine's comforting flavors and learn to cook this iconic Portuguese meal at home.

Ingredients:

  - 4 cloves of garlic, minced

  - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  - 4 cups water or fish stock

  - 4 slices of day-old bread, preferably rustic bread like country loaf or Portuguese cornbread

  - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Optional: seafood such as shrimp, cod, or clams (about 1/2 pound), cleaned and deveined if needed

  - Optional: 1/4 cup white wine

  - Optional: poached eggs for garnish

Instructions:

1-In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

2-If using seafood, add it to the pot and cook until just cooked through. If using shrimp, they should turn pink, and if using fish, it should be opaque and flaky. If using clams, cook until they just begin to open. Remove the seafood from the pot and set aside.

3-Pour the water or fish stock into the pot with the garlic and olive oil. Bring to a simmer.

4-Tear the slices of bread into small pieces and add them to the simmering liquid. Let the bread soak for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5-Once the bread has softened and broken down into a thick, porridge-like consistency, add the chopped cilantro. Stir well to combine.

6-If using white wine, add it to the pot and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

7-Season the Açorda with salt and pepper to taste.

8-If using seafood, return it to the pot and let it warm through for another minute or two.

9-Serve the Açorda hot, garnished with poached eggs if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Açorda, a comforting and flavorful dish from Portugal!

Nutritional Values :

Garlic (4 cloves):

  - Calories: Approximately 18 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 1 gram

  - Fat: Negligible

benefits :

  - Rich in allicin, a compound with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

  - Contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

  - May help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

  - Provides a low-calorie flavor boost to dishes.

Olive oil (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 477 kcal

  - Fat: Approximately 54 grams

  - No carbohydrates or protein

benefits :

  - High in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and may improve cholesterol levels.

  - Rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

  - May lower the risk of stroke and protect against certain types of cancer.

  - Contains oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.

Bread (4 slices):

  - Calories: Approximately 320-400 kcal (depending on type and size)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 60-80 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 8-12 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 2-6 grams

benefits :

  - Provides carbohydrates, the body's primary source of energy.

  - Contains fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

  - May contain B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, important for metabolism and overall health.

  - Depending on the type of bread, it may also provide small amounts of minerals like iron and zinc.

Cilantro (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 4 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram

  - Protein: Approximately 0.4 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0.1 grams

benefits :

  - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium.

  - Contains antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage and inflammation.

  - May have antimicrobial properties that help fight infections.

  - Adds fresh flavor and aroma to dishes without adding significant calories or sodium.

Seafood (optional, amounts may vary):

Shrimp (1/2 pound):

  - Calories: Approximately 180 kcal

  - Protein: Approximately 25 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 3 grams

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams

Cod (1/2 pound):

  - Calories: Approximately 120-150 kcal

  - Protein: Approximately 25 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 1-3 grams

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams

Clams (1/2 pound):

  - Calories: Approximately 130 kcal

  - Protein: Approximately 24 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 2 grams

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams

benefits :

  - Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

  - Provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.

  - Rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, iodine, selenium, and zinc.

  - May help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and support cognitive function.

These values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as specific ingredients, cooking methods, and portion sizes. If you need precise nutritional information, it's best to refer to the labels on the products you're using or consult a nutrition database.