Cataplana's
A cataplana is like two woks placed together and is traditionally made of copper. It is of Moorish design and was introduced to Southern Portugal during their occupation from the 8th Century AD. Food is placed in the bottom half of the dish then the hinged lid is closed enabling the ingredients to simmer together and the flavours develop. It can be used in the oven but often is used on the stove-top. Originally Cataplana was an entirely seafood dish, utilising items such as clams and mussels but meat or fowl also feature in many recipes, it is seasoned with herbs or spices and often cooked with tomatoes, onions and wine.Cataplanas can be purchased all over the Algarve but they can be quite expensive, i purchased a small one from the Modelo Shopping centre near La Roche for about 25 euro
