How to use Lusitano

How to Use the Lusitano Blend: A Guide to Portuguese Cooking

Lusitano is our tribute to the rustic and comforting flavours of Portugal. With a base of garlic, bay leaf, green bell pepper, and the vibrant touch of paprika and piri piri, this blend was designed to be your right hand in the kitchen. But how do you get the most out of it? In this guide, we explore the best ways to apply Lusitano to transform simple ingredients into soulful dishes.

Marinades: The Secret to Deep Flavour

For meats that require time and depth, Lusitano works as the perfect base for a traditional marinade. Whether you are preparing chicken for the grill, lamb chops, or pork steaks, the golden rule is simplicity.

Mix a generous spoonful of Lusitano with a bit of white wine, a drizzle of olive oil, and, if you like, a spoonful of red pepper paste (massa de pimentão). Let the meat rest in this mixture for at least two hours, or ideally overnight. The garlic and bay leaf in the blend will penetrate the fibres, ensuring every bite has the authentic taste of the best Portuguese taverns.

The Master Touch in Sautéing and Stews

Lusitano is an excellent ally for starting or finishing pot dishes. When starting a sauté, add the blend just after the onions have turned translucent. The heat from the olive oil will release the aromas of the paprika and green pepper, creating a rich aromatic base for your bean rice, fish stew, or meat ragu.

If you prefer a fresher, more herbaceous flavour, you can add an extra pinch of Lusitano halfway through cooking. The parsley and bay leaf will release their notes gradually, balancing the richness of the fats and broths.

Fish and Salt Cod: Enhancing Without Overpowering

In Portuguese cuisine, fish is sacred. Lusitano has been balanced to not hide the delicate flavour of the sea. For oven-baked salt cod (bacalhau), sprinkle the blend directly over the loins before drizzling generously with olive oil. The paprika will provide that irresistible golden colour, while the piri piri and garlic create the perfect contrast with the sweetness of the fish. It also works beautifully on white fish fillets or to season the filling of homemade codfish fritters.

Side Dishes and Roasted Vegetables

Do not reserve Lusitano only for protein. It is capable of transforming simple side dishes into stars. Try tossing diced or wedged potatoes with the blend and olive oil before roasting them in the oven. The result is crispy roasted potatoes with a garlic and bay leaf aroma that brings to mind traditional Sunday family roasts. It can also be used to season vegetable rice or sprinkled over grilled vegetables like peppers and courgettes.

The Pinch Experience

At The Pinch, we created Lusitano so that the authentic taste of Portugal is always just a pinch away. It is a versatile seasoning that requires no great complication: just open the jar and let the aromas guide your creativity. Explore all the possibilities of this blend in our store and receive a piece of Portuguese tradition anywhere in Europe.