As the leaves turn golden and the air begins to bite, October invites us to slow down, gather close, and cook with heart. For many Portuguese families, fall is more than a season, it’s a sensory memory. It’s the scent of garlic and olive oil warming in a pan, the crackle of chestnuts roasting over open flame, and the quiet joy of soup shared around a table.
This guide is a tribute to those moments. A celebration of heritage through food, and an invitation to bring Portuguese comfort into your autumn rituals—whether you’re in a bustling Canadian kitchen or a quiet corner of your childhood home.
Caldo Verde: The Soul of Portuguese Autumn
Caldo verde is more than soup—it’s a story in a bowl. Traditionally made with potatoes, collard greens (or kale), chouriço, and olive oil, it’s a dish that speaks of simplicity and soul.
Why it matters
It’s often served at family gatherings, weddings, and festivals, but it’s just as powerful on a quiet Tuesday night. The act of peeling potatoes while chatting with your mother or slicing chouriço with your father’s old knife becomes part of the ritual.
Melanie’s (A.K.A. Momma Braga) twist: Add a handful of fresh parsley and a splash of lemon for brightness. Serve with broa (cornbread) and a story—perhaps about your parents’ anniversary or the first time you made caldo verde on your own.
Make sure to check out a past article of ours with an easy to follow recipe, click here.
Roasted Chestnuts: Street Food Meets Family Hearth
In Portugal, October means chestnuts. Vendors line the streets with smoky carts, and the phrase “Quentes e boas!” (“Hot and good!”) echoes through the air.
Bring it home
Score each chestnut with a small X before roasting to prevent bursting. Roast in the oven at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. Wrap them in a kitchen towel and let them steam for a few minutes before peeling. Or you can always roast them on a pan on the BBQ which is my family’s favourite method to use. They are truly delicious!
Memory moment
Chestnuts were often the snack of choice after Sunday mass or during autumn walks with your parents. Their earthy sweetness pairs beautifully with storytelling—especially tales of childhood mischief or family traditions.
Queijadas de Sintra: Sweet Bites of Nostalgia
These delicate cheese tarts from Sintra are a beloved Portuguese treat, often enjoyed with afternoon coffee or tucked into lunchboxes as a surprise. Made with fresh cheese, eggs, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, queijadas are soft, slightly chewy, and deeply comforting.
Why it belongs in your fall kitchen
Their warm spice and creamy texture make them ideal for crisp October afternoons. They’re easy to make with kids—rolling the dough, mixing the filling, and dusting with cinnamon becomes a shared ritual.
Memory moment
Maybe your mother made them for special occasions, or you remember buying them from a bakery on a rainy day. They’re the kind of dessert that carries a whisper of home in every bite.
More Flavours to Explore
Arroz de pato (Duck rice)
A rich, layered dish perfect for Sunday dinners.
Bolinhos de bacalhau (Cod fritters)
Crispy, golden bites that kids love to help shape. Need an easy to follow recipe? Click here.
Maçã assada (Baked apples)
A simple dessert with cinnamon and port wine that fills the house with warmth. Each dish carries a thread of memory—of grandparents who cooked without recipes, of laughter echoing in tiled kitchens, of traditions passed down not through words, but through taste. Click here for an easy to follow recipe.
Cooking as Cultural Connection
For parents raising children in multicultural homes, cooking heritage meals is a powerful way to bridge generations. It’s not just about ingredients—it’s about identity.
Tips for weaving tradition into everyday life
– Let kids help with simple tasks like stirring soup or peeling apples.
– Share stories while cooking—about your parents, your childhood, or the meaning behind each dish.
– Create a “family recipe book” with photos, memories, and handwritten notes.
If you are looking to be further inspired by Portuguese cuisine, make sure to check out our friend, David Rodrigues as he offers amazing cookbooks that are very simple to follow.
Final Thoughts: October, the Season of Remembering
In the quiet moments of fall, when the wind rustles the trees and the kitchen fills with steam, we remember. We remember who taught us to cook, who sat beside us at the table, and how food became a language of love. This October, let Portuguese comfort food be your guide—not just to warmth, but to connection. To honoring your roots, sharing your stories, and feeding your family with more than just meals—with meaning.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
