Fresh from the Market: Roasted Fish in the Azores!

One of the highlights of our Azorean culinary journey is spending the morning with Maria, a local chef who brings her passion for the region’s flavors to life. Our day begins at the bustling fish market, where Maria patiently teaches us about the local catch. From the shiny, fresh fish to the variety of shellfish, she guides us through the choices, explaining the importance of selecting the right ingredients for a perfect dish. Once we’ve picked our fish, we head back to Maria’s home, where the real magic happens.

At her house, we tour her expansive garden, a true reflection of her commitment to fresh, local ingredients. The vibrant colors and scents are intoxicating, and Maria encourages us to sample herbs and vegetables straight from the soil. With our fresh ingredients in hand, we move into her cozy kitchen, where Maria demonstrates how to prepare a Roasted Fish in the Oven—a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that brings out the best of the fish’s natural taste. I had to share this recipe with you! So here it is!

Ingredients:

FishPotatoes (sliced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 onion (minced)
Tomato (chopped)
Chili (mild, sliced)
Parsley (chopped)
Açafroa (saffron or turmeric)
Massa de pimenta (pepper sauce)
Olive oil Salt Lemon (local or regular)
White wine
Bay leafIn 

Directions:

In a pan, layer onion, garlic, chili, pepper sauce, and tomato.
Then layer fish and potatoes. Repeat layers with more onion, garlic, tomato, açafroa, and olive oil.
Cook until potatoes are tender (around 20 minutes).
Add parsley, lemon juice, and salt tofinish. If necessary, add a bit of hot water while cooking.
Oven Option: Add 2 bell peppers and 2 tomatoes.
Bake at 375–400°F(190–200°C) for 50 minutes.

This isn’t just a cooking class; it’s an authentic Azorean experience, one that we invite you to join in 2025. Come immerse yourself in the beauty of the Azores, savoring delicious meals like this one and learning from hosts like Maria who are passionate about preserving local traditions. Azores Culinary Experience 2025 (September 20–27, 2025) will be another unforgettable week of food, culture, and connection. I hope to see you there! Registration is open.

Warmly,
Jan