Recipes from:
  The Oliveira Family

Torta de Espargos Verdes
"Fried Green Asparagus"

In the Douro region, Asparagus is picked right along the riverbanks!

Ingredients:

6 Eggs (mixed)
A "Mole" of green asparagus: about 15 pieces
3 Tablespoons of Oliveira Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ teaspoon of salt (or to taste)

Remove the hard stems of the asparagus and discard. Then, with your hands, break the asparagus into small pieces

Warm 2 Tablespoons of the olive oil and add the asparagus pieces. Sauté slowly until cooked.

Carefully drain off the olive oil and add the asparagus to the mixed eggs.

Stir until coated.

Warm one Tablespoon of the olive oil in the frying pan and add the asparagus/egg mixture.

Let simmer for 10 - 15 minutes. Allow to thicken, and turn carefully.

Enjoy the asparagus with coarse, unsalted bread as an appetizer or vegetable course.

Serves 3 - 4

Berigelas Fritas
Fried Aubergines (Eggplant)

Eggplant is a very popular vegetable that grows in many Portuguese home gardens.

Ingredients:

2 Eggplants
10 - 12 Tablespoons Oliveira organic, low acid extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ - 2 Tablespoons Flour
1-teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Wash, then cut the eggplants into thin slices.

Soak the slices in water with the salt for 1 - 2 hours, then drain

Coat the slices in the flour, and fry in the olive oil until light brown.

Eat hot, or cold according to your wishes.

A great alternative to this recipe is to use green beans in their pods.

Serves 4