The Essence of Emeril Season 1 Episode 88 Authentic Portuguese Tapas

With a focus on authentic Portuguese cuisine, Emeril Lagasse is back in another exciting episode of The Essence of Emeril. In season 1 episode 88, Emeril shares his take on traditional Portuguese tapas dishes.

The episode starts off with Emeril introducing the concept of tapas, small plates of food typically shared among friends and family. He emphasizes that this cuisine is all about enjoying the company of others and savoring the flavors of Portugal.

First up, Emeril demonstrates how to make Bolinhos de Bacalhau, a popular tapas dish made with salt cod, potatoes, onion, and parsley. Emeril notes that the key to success with this dish is getting the right texture for the batter, which should be thick and not too wet. He recommends serving these crispy and flavorful cod fritters with a side of Piri Piri sauce for an added kick of heat.

Next, Emeril moves on to another tapas staple, cured meats and cheeses. He explains that one of the classic Portuguese charcuterie plates is Presunto, a dry-cured ham similar to prosciutto. Emeril pairs this meat with Queijo de Cabra, a tangy and crumbly goat cheese that contrasts with the rich saltiness of the ham. He also suggests adding some olives, almonds, and crusty bread to the plate for a full tapas experience.

For the main course, Emeril whips up a satisfying and flavorful dish of Porco à Alentejana. This hearty meal features pork loin, clams, and potatoes cooked in a savory tomato sauce and garnished with fresh cilantro. Emeril notes that the combination of pork and seafood is a classic Portuguese flavor pairing that adds complexity to the dish. He suggests serving it with a glass of Vinho Verde, a refreshing and slightly effervescent white wine from the region.

To round out the meal, Emeril serves up one last tapas dish, Camarões à Guilho. This garlic shrimp recipe is simple yet delicious, with juicy shrimp sautéed in butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Emeril notes that this dish is perfect for sharing and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rice.

Throughout the episode, Emeril also takes time to share his insights into the history and cultural significance of Portuguese cuisine. He explains how the country's location on the Atlantic coast has influenced its cooking style, with seafood and hearty stews featuring prominently on menus. He also notes the impact of Portugal's trading history, with spices and flavors from around the world incorporated into traditional dishes.

In the end, Emeril finishes off the episode with a reminder that tapas dishes are all about sharing and creating a convivial atmosphere. He encourages viewers to try out these recipes with friends and family and enjoy the camaraderie and flavors of Portugal.