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Algarve

Fish from an Algarve market

• 24 Jan 2008 •

Dourada: Delicious barbecued or grilled.

Whether visiting a municipal market or a large supermarket the chances are there will be an enormous selection of local fish for sale. Most will have been caught on the previous night and consequently the freshness is guaranteed. One point of warning; don’t make purchases on a Monday as Sunday is the fishermen’s night of rest and you’ll therefore be buying fish from the Friday or Saturday night catch.

The obvious choice to make when faced with an unusual selection of fish are sardines but they are also the most difficult to eat, due to numerous small bones. Try instead a dourada (golden sea bream), with delicately flavoured white meat that falls off the bone in chunky pieces.

If you have a barbecue the most suitable cooking method is extremely simple. Make sure that the fishmonger guts and descales the fish in advance. This is usual practice in Portugal, as is weighing and pricing the fish beforehand.

Simply wash the fish under cold water and pat it dry, then salt it on both sides and leave in a cool place for a couple of hours. Some people prefer to wash the salt off and pat it dry again but when eaten in a restaurant it is highly likely that the fish will be chargrilled, covered in a layer of rock salt. This is extremely flavour enhancing although there is a health warning since salt eaten frequently, in large quantities, is not good for blood pressure.

A sprinkling of cornflour will stop the skin from sticking to the metal grill and the barbecue should be very hot before the fish is put on. (If using a gas barbecue then reduce the flame to half.) Cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side, turning once. The thickest area of the fish should flake easily when tested with a knife.

Serve with parsley and lemon wedges and a favourite vegetable or salad. The Portuguese usually accompany the meal with boiled potatoes and rice but wholegrain brown bread bought from a ‘padaria’ (baker’s shop) is a wonderful alternative.

An early morning outing to the fish market in Olhão is a fascinating experience. Fish can be bought at rock-bottom prices while soaking up the bustling atmosphere.

The municipal market in Loulé is another excellent place for buying fish and is open every day – except Sundays – from 9am until 1pm.

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