Bestridas

Bestridas are a type of Portuguese seafood stew. The dish typically features a variety of fish, shellfish, and sometimes octopus, cooked together in a flavorful broth. Common ingredients include cod, hake, mussels, clams, shrimp, and squid. The broth is often made with white wine, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a selection of herbs such as parsley and bay leaves.

The preparation of bestridas usually involves sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic, then adding the seafood and liquids to simmer. The cooking time varies depending on the type of seafood used, aiming to ensure everything is cooked through without becoming tough. Some recipes may also include potatoes or other vegetables.

Bestridas are known for their rich and savory taste, with the seafood imparting its natural sweetness and brininess to the broth. It is a popular dish in coastal regions of Portugal and is often served hot, sometimes accompanied by crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. The specific ingredients and preparation methods can vary regionally and from household to household, leading to diverse interpretations of this traditional Portuguese seafood stew.