On the island of São Miguel in the Azores Islands in Portugal, there is a very unique dish that is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
This dish, Cozido das
Cozido is a popular dish throughout Portugal, but the residents of a town called Furnas have put their own spin on the dish that creates a memorable dish whose flavor and preparation are truly unforgettable.
The chefs begin their preparation of cozido das furnas very early in the morning, around 5 o’clock. They add pork, chouriço and blood sausage, beef, cabbage, yams, carrots, and potatoes to a pot.
What comes next is the interesting part: these pots are covered and lowered into the sulfuric hot springs that are spread out throughout the town of Furnas. There, they are left for several hours to cook in the boiling hot conditions under they are ready for consumption around lunchtime.
Cozido das furnas is then removed from the ground and served for lunch. While it is traditionally a home-cooked meal, nowadays, many restaurants in Furnas serve this dish to locals and tourists alike.
The meat and vegetables take on a unique sulfurous taste that is emitted from the hot springs. While it sounds strange, it creates a delicious and unique meal that every visitor should try at least once.
