A taste of Portugal

NT BUZZ

Communicare Trust in association with Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Goa organised the first Portuguese cuisine cooking workshop followed by lunch with live music at IHM Goa, Porvorim. The workshop witnessed a total of 32 participants. As part of the workshop, participants were taught to prepare a full three-course meal.

The workshop began with the preparation of starters such as ‘Pastéis de Bacalhau’ (codfish pastry) and ‘Peixinhos da Horta’ (fried French beans in batter), followed by the main course with dishes such as the ‘Carne de porco à Alentejana’ (pork with clams and fried potatoes), ‘Bacalhau com natas’ (codfish with cream) and ‘Arroz de Marisco’ (seafood rice).

Finally, participants were taught how to prepare a dessert from Alentejo made with eggs called ‘Sericaia’. A bonus recipe of a snack made from pumpkin puree called ‘Sonhos de Abóbora’ was also taught to the participants, which was served with assorted biscuits at tea time. The other dishes were served earlier at lunch and accompanied with live music by jazz duo, Maria e Neil who sang Brazilian and Portuguese numbers.

Director of IHM, Donna D’Souza said: “This workshop was not only a way to learn how to make Portuguese food but also an initiative to help Communicare Trust raise funds for their projects. It was a good learning experience for our staff and students too.”

Participant at the workshop, Nikhil Tavora said: “I have travelled all over Portugal, especially trying the food. But to see it here, to learn how to make it and then be able to have it for lunch was really interesting.”

The workshop was conceptualised by head of kitchen department, IHM, Goa, Lisa Dias. The chefs for the workshop were Maria Meireles and Nalini Elvino de Sousa.