Welcome to the Açores, the next stop in our Discover Portugal series.
An archipelago comprised of nine volcanic islands around 870 miles west of Lisboa, the Açores are rich in their own unique culture and food traditions, and are known for their pristine natural beauty.
This traditional dish is a hearty stew cooked in the geothermal heat of the Furnas Valley on the island of Sāo Miguel.
Cozido das Furnas typically includes a variety of meats such as beef, pork, chicken, and chouriço, as well as vegetables like cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and yams. The ingredients are placed in a large pot, buried in the ground near the volcanic vents, and left to slow-cook for several hours, resulting in a flavorful and tender stew infused with the natural heat and minerals of the volcanic soil.
You can watch a video of this process here.
This unique cooking method gives Cozido das Furnas its distinctive taste and has made it a beloved culinary tradition in the Açores.
While we can't help you recreate geothermal vents in your kitchen, you can shop our selection of chouriço to create your own Portguese feast.
