In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean lies the island paradise of São Miguel, the largest of the nine volcanic islands that make up the Azores archipelago. The exuberant vegetation, calm and tranquil atmosphere and friendliness of its people make this a unique place in the world.
The archipelago's most emblematic dish, the cozido (stew), is traditionally served in Furnas, a charming and fascinating place surrounded by lush nature and beautiful scenery.
Before enjoying the unique flavours of the region, take the opportunity to build up an appetite with a beautiful walk through the area’s natural forests and explore the native vegetation. Cedar, heather, fire tree, laurel, pau-branco, Azores blueberry and old trees make the outdoor space perfect for relaxing.
Hiking trails are an excellent way of exploring the territory and allow you to discover unique and remote places that are not otherwise accessible. The route from Pico do Ferro to Caldeiras, or the trail to Furnas Lake, are two suggestions for hiking enthusiasts.
You can also enjoy scenery of exceptional beauty from the various viewpoints in the area, such as Salto do Cavalo and Pedras do Galego, among others. And don't forget to visit the famous Poça da Dona Beija (Lady Beija’s Well) and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias.
The Azores: amazing cuisine and unique flavours
After exploring the natural beauty of the island, it's time to indulge in the famous Furnas stew. This traditional dish is cooked on the volcanic soil of the beautiful Furnas Lake, which is 600 metres above sea level.
The lake is surrounded by intense signs of volcanic activity. In the area of the fumaroles and the hot springs, you can watch how this typical dish is prepared by local people.
Meat and vegetables are placed in large pots, which are tied together with a rope and placed inside a hole about a metre deep, so that the food is cooked in volcanic steam, with temperatures ranging from 64ºC to 96ºC. The spring is sealed with a lid and covered with soil. Six to eight hours later, the dish is ready to be taken out and served.
Where to eat the traditional Furnas stew?
Anyone looking to try this unique dish with its unmistakable flavour can do so in the various restaurants in the Furnas area, where several holes are reserved for local restaurants. It is recommended that you make your reservation in good time, as there are countless tourists who come to the area every day to try this delicacy.
Other dishes cooked in the Furnas springs
Although the Furnas stew is a must-try speciality for those visiting the island, there are other types of dishes cooked in the volcano's steam. There are vegetarian options, using only vegetables from the traditional stew, as well as the typical feijoada (bean stew) with pork ribs, and fish stew made with codfish caught in the Azores Sea, amongst others.
There are restaurants that have gained fame for the traditional version of the stew as well as their vegetarian options.
If you prefer the 'do it yourself' experience, rather than tasting the dish in a traditional restaurant, there are several holes reserved for local people and tourists alike. All you need is to buy the ingredients at a local market or grocery store. But don't forget to get up early on the day, as the fumaroles start to fill up as early as 6 am.
Try out this recipe:
Ingredients
Beef, pork and chicken, ear, pork spare ribs, black pudding, chorizo, bacon, cabbage, kale, yams, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips and a pinch of salt.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply replace these ingredients with your favourite vegetables, but don't forget to reduce the cooking time.
Method
- Put all the ingredients in the pan, without adding water, fat or any other liquid. Take care to arrange the food correctly. The meats or vegetables that take the longest to cook should be placed at the bottom of the pan and the quickest to cook at the top.
- At the end, close the pot and wrap it in a cloth bag. Using a rope, place the pot in one of the holes in the volcanic soil.
- Let your ingredients cook for about six hours, then remove the container. The stew is ready. Enjoy your meal!
