We love making flavor dreams come true, especially this one! It began with an inspired conversation with David Leite, founder of the James Beard Award-winning website Leite's Culinaria, about crafting flavors to create a sense of time and place and ended with A Taste of Portugal.
In between, we sourced piri piri chiles direct from Portugal to give it an authentic hint of heat and enjoyed the evolving flavors on chicken and shrimp, seafood, salads and more. It's so easy to transform any dish! Just whisk the spice with butter or oil to create an incredibly flavorful sauce or David Leite's Favorite Portuguese Paste. We've packaged it up in a generous 4 oz. pouch which holds one cup of spice, so you can enjoy many servings of this inspired spice.
From David: Growing up, I loved watching the women in my family cook. And for so many dishes, they used the same ingredients for that incomparable flavor of my childhood: paprika, garlic, tomato paste, bay leaf, parsley, a splash of wine, and more. This spice mix is an homage to them and their cooking. All the familiar, comforting flavors of Portugal in one blend.
Sea Salt, Tomato Powder, Paprika, Smoked Paprika, Parsley, Indian Coriander, Garlic, Bay Leaf, Red Wine Vinegar Powder, Citric Acid, White Pepper, Piri Piri Chile
We adore how A Taste of Portugal effortlessly brings the vibrant and bold flavors of Portuguese cuisine into our kitchens. The inclusion of Piri Piri chiles, sourced directly from Portugal, adds an authentic touch of heat that is both thrilling and deeply flavorful. This blend is particularly magical on chicken and shrimp, but it’s versatile enough to enrich seafood, salads, and much more. Just a dash can transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched landscapes of Portugal.
Did you know that the Piri Piri chile, a key component in our blend, is not only a staple in Portuguese cuisine but also a star in the culinary scenes of regions like Africa and Brazil? Each area brings its own twist to this fiery pepper, making it a global favorite for adding heat to dishes. In Portugal, it's often used in sauces that accompany seafood or meats, showcasing its versatility and universal appeal.
Store owner replied:
Adding Portuguese chouriço to the mussels sounds incredible. Thanks for sharing your delicious twist with us. Enjoy your culinary adventures! 😊🦪🌟
I have yet to use this on anything savory that it wasn't delicious on! Soups, stews, meat, seafood, beans, greens, pasta, rice...it just goes with everything.
Store owner replied:
It also makes pretty much anything savory even more delicious than you might think. It's a spice cabinet staple because it's so versatile.
Store owner replied:
So would we - we use it on so many things because it's really versatile! Any meat or seafood, soups, stews, sheetpan suppers, and absolutely delicious in a pot of beans, too! It's just so easy to use.
This is a well balance seasoning. Not too spicy. Parsley adds herb note to the blend. I used on skinless boneless chicken breasts. It is a verstle blend.
Store owner replied:
It truly is such a versatile blend! Great with chicken, seafood, pork, veggies, soups, stews, beans, and so much more. It's just so easy to use.
Our favorite spice mix. Good with beef or chicken and even pork. When a recipe calls for smoked paprika we add taste of Portugal for half the amount to add depth to the dish. Great!
Store owner replied:
Love the idea of using it in place of smoked paprika! I've yet to find anything savory that it wasn't delicious on or in - soups, stews, pasta, rice, beans, greens...It's a favorite here.
I used it with fine olive oil on boneless chicken thighs
Most flavorful not spices.
Store owner replied:
It's ridiculously good on or with everything I've tried it with, and a great all-purpose blend. I have yet to use it on or in something that I didn't want to have seconds on. Have fun "playing" with it!
We do not like the plastic bags. They just do not fit in or on our spice shelf. You should not show glass jars if you do not offer them. The spice itself is very nice. We have used this order on pork chops, pasta and beans on toast. Delicious. Except for the plastic bags a wonderful experience.
Store owner replied:
The Taste of Portugal has been delicious on everything savory that I have used it on, too - soups, roast chicken or pork, greens, beans, pasta...And that pouch will easily fit in any one cup jar, if you have one around. Perhaps that would work on your spice shelf?
We recently spent several weeks in Portugal so I was excited to try this blend. It is perfect! I've a.ready ordered 2 more. (Note the piri piri does not over power this and you can add more heat if you want it spicier, which I like.)
Store owner replied:
Kathie L., that pilaf sounds dreamy! 🍚✨
So glad you’re loving the depth of **A Taste of Portugal**—can’t wait to hear how it shines as a chicken rub next!
Great flavors in this mix! Saltier than I was expecting, so I will use more cautiously again.
Store owner replied:
It is a great blend, but can be saltier than people expect, especially if they don't use much salt when they cook. Do try it in soup - it's a perfect blend for doing soups or stews.
Store owner replied:
Thank you! A Taste of Portugal truly does capture the heart of Portuguese cooking—what a beautiful way to bring that warm, authentic flavor to your dishes. We’re so glad it’s found a home in your kitchen! 🌟✨
Store owner replied:
Thank you, Lynette! A Taste of Portugal is such a special blend, and we’re so glad you’re enjoying it. It’s crafted to capture the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine, and we love hearing it’s a hit in your kitchen. Happy cooking—find more recipe inspiration on our website anytime! 🌟✨
A rich and very savory Portuguese blend of spices. I call it Portuguese curry!
Store owner replied:
Thank you, Michael! A Taste of Portugal is indeed a rich and savory blend, capturing the essence of Portuguese cuisine. Crafted in collaboration with chef David Leite. Your description of it as "Portuguese curry" is spot on—it brings a vibrant depth to dishes, making it a versatile addition to your spice collection. Enjoy exploring its many culinary possibilities! 🌟✨
Store owner replied:
So far, I've used it with mussels, clams, halibut, and shrimp! Thank you for your review. This blend is a staple.
Perfect blend of spices that brings the best balance of zing and flavor that I use it on just about anything…chicken, beef, blend it with my butter cracker topping for fish, sautéed zucchini, yellow squash and onion…and oh, don’t forget the roasted potatoes or Sunday morning home fries. Delish!
Store owner replied:
We're thrilled that it has become such a versatile staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and thank you for sharing your delicious experiences with us!
I am a Portuguese vegetarian, and I have struggled to find a way to replicate the flavors I grew up with without adding chouriço or linguiça. I recently made a batch of Portuguese soup using Taste of Portugal and I was so, so happy. This is it! All the flavor with none of the meat - yay!! Thank you for this!
Highly recommended! Quick and easy short cut to delicious dinner. Added to shrimp sautéed in olive oil and presto dinner was ready in less than ten minutes. Ordering again now (in less than a week) because we don’t want to be without it! Thank you.
Great! I loved the smokey rich peppery taste. It was amazing on pork chops and lightly toasted and blended with melted butter over fingerling potatoes!
Phenomenal! Initially was hesitant to order the 'Taste-of-Portugal' spice blend as I usually find smoked paprika an overwhelming flavor (but I do love Hungarian paprika, especially in dishes such as Goulash). Finally went for it and marinated lamb chops in this spice blend, then grilled them, added a touch of salt and served it with potatoes and vegetables. Heavenly meal! Can't wait to host a big dinner party to treat my friends to this symphony of flavors!
So aromatic The smell is incredible, I bought this in-store on the spot. Not hot (on purpose), but easy to spice up. I've used it to infuse oils and cook white meats in that, plus dip breads as well. Haven't had anything similar. A friend just got back from her honeymoon in Portugal and she loved this, too.
Good on EVERYTHING Taste of Portugal is truly an all-purpose spice blend. I love it to marinate chicken, on roasted potatoes, and even in all my pasta dishes. It's got just enough heat without being overwhelming.
Since 1995 we've sourced and blended the finest flavors we can find. Nearly all of our spices are available whole or ground, and we grind in small batches shortly before shipping.