The Cataplana is a traditional Portuguese dish that is believed to have originated in the Algarve region of Portugal, which is located in the southernmost part of the country. The name “cataplana” actually refers to the copper pot in which the dish is cooked, which is similar to a Dutch oven or a wok.
The dish is thought to have been created by fishermen, who would cook their daily catch along with locally available ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic in the cataplana pot. Over time, the dish became a staple of the region’s cuisine and spread throughout the country.
Today, there are many variations of the cataplana dish, and it is often made with a variety of seafood, meats, and vegetables, depending on the region and the season. In addition to the Algarve region, the dish is also popular in the Azores, another Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean.
Recipe for Cataplana from Azores
Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
500g mixed seafood (such as clams, shrimp, mussels, and fish)
1 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
In a large cataplana or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
Add the chopped tomatoes, red and green peppers, and bay leaf. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Add the seafood, wine, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Cover the cataplana and cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the clams and mussels have opened.
Discard any unopened clams and mussels.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Please enter your email to receive your booking final price, and check your mailbox for instructions on how to continue your reservation.
Subscribe to deals and travel tips
Thanks. We will send you an email shortly. Let us know a bit more and we can provide you an accurate price quote.
Comfort: May include 3 star tourist class, 3 star superior, and 4 star tourist class hotels Boutique: Independent, more intimate smaller 4 star hotels characteristic of the area being visited. May include 5 star. Superior: Includes First class 4 star Hotels. May include 5 star.
Number of people
Number of roomsWe provide special pricing for groups of 7 or more – please complete the request and we will contact you for more information
Additional comments / requests
Thanks, we will send you an email right away.
Offered by Petrabx
This package is offered by our partner Petrabax. Click here to get the best deal.
What is a Package Type?
For some packages you may be given a choice of different package types. They should be listed on the “Dates & Rates” tab:
Superior/Premier – Includes first class 4-star lodging. May include 5-star lodging.
Comfort/Standard – Includes 4-star tourist class lodging. May include first class 3-star lodging.
Boutique – Includes 4-star independent or small chain and more intimate lodging, characteristic of area being visited.
Portugal.com Affiliate Disclaimer
As you might expect, many of the tour and wine links on this site are part of our affiliate program, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. That’s how we provide great content and amazing travel experiences for you.
Blog articles are provided as editorial content, though they may contain links to affiliates when appropriate. Please only click the affiliate links if you want the product. The main point is that you enjoy the site and the content.
We only provide links to products that we support and believe in. If you disagree with any of our links or recommendations, please let us know.