Codfish is the star of the Portuguese Christmas-eve supper, but a cabbage called “penca” plays an essential supporting role. It is a hardy variety, capable of surviving the frost that usually covers the fields in December.
Penca is often planted next to “couve galega” a cabbage similar to kale used to make the traditional “caldo verde” (green soup) served at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
We love to see the fields of Portugal planted with these cabbages, dressed for the holidays in stunning green hues.
Salt of Portugal 
Better than Brussel Sprouts I imagine!
Much better!
I’ve never seen so many! 🙂 🙂 Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and best wishes to you for 2018.
Thank you so much, we wish you a wonderful 2018.
Thanks so much for your restaurant recommendations. We loved ultima porto in Lisbon and just now been to Porto and ate at St valentim in matosinhos. Fabulous; We had a seafood restaurant in Ireland for 15 years and now live in France, always looking for fish to eat.
Thanks again.
Hi Susan: we’re so happy you liked our recommendations. Thanks for reading our blog.