Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family and cook.
About the recipe
A well-assembled Portuguese board enhances products, regions and contrasts.
Cheeses, cured meats, bread and olives form a simple starter, but full of identity.
The idea is not to cook, but to choose, slice and balance the flavours.
Ingredients
- 1 sheep’s-milk or goat’s-milk cheese
- 1 cured or buttery cheese
- Sliced chouriço
- Portuguese cured ham (presunto) or paio
- Seasoned olives
- rustic bread
- Fig or pumpkin compote
- Optional nuts
Method
- Choose a wide board and arrange the cheeses first.
- Slice the cured meats to an appropriate thickness.
- Distribute bread, olives and jam at different points.
- Include separate knives for cheeses with different textures.
- Remove cheeses from the refrigerator a few minutes beforehand.
- Serve with napkins and small plates.
Tips from Empório Portugal
- Mix textures: creamy, cured, smoked and crunchy.
- Don't overdo it with sweet items.
- Good bread is as important as the cheeses and cured meats.
Possible replacements in Brazil
- Use Brazilian sheep or goat cheeses when Portuguese are not available.
- An artisanal cured sausage can replace imported Portuguese enchidos.
Pairing
A light red wine, a structured white wine or Port wine, depending on the cheese. For people over 18 years old; drink in moderation.
Regional and family variations can alter ingredients, quantities and preparation.
Empório Portugal's recipes have cultural and gastronomic purposes. Adjust ingredients according to dietary restrictions, allergies and professional guidelines.
This recipe is part of the editorial curation of Empório Portugal, developed from the Portuguese culinary tradition. Like any traditional recipe, it can vary depending on the region, the family and the cook.
Send it to the Empório Portugal community. The recipes received are analyzed before any publication.
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