Fiel Amigo
As early as the 1960’s when Portugal was engaged in wars in its former African
territories. Portugal had mandatory military service which often required the
men to deploy to these war zones. At this time Portugal’s leader was
resolved in fostering Portuguese symbols pride like the Portuguese historical relationship with the sea and therefore supporting the Bacalhau fleets.
It was said that at the time the Portuguese government gave these young men
with mandatory service the option to serve their countries either on
these boats fishing for Bacalhau or in the military where most certainly meant going into a dangerous warzones.
Given those options many preferred the risks and dangers of warfare to the
hazards and difficult conditions of living and working on these boats.
The Portuguese discovered Bacalhau around the 15th century during the age of
exploration and discovery. At this time they provisioned their ships in
preparation for the long voyages with nonperishable food rations. Bacalhau was
integral part source of nourishment on those expeditions.
That led them to attempt curing various other types of fish available along the
Portuguese coast but no other fish preserved as well as Bacalhau.
Then it was that Bacalhau was given the nickname of “Fiel Amigo” or “Faithful
Friend” as it was always available since it would not deteriorate or go bad.
Since it was also inexpensive it quickly became popular in Portugal and the
Portuguese became the biggest consumers of it in the world. It maintains its
central position in Portuguese traditions and cuisine today.
Try our Bacalhau Products
www.buyPortuguesefood.com
Cerified Origin Paella Rice from L’Albufera Nature Preserve in Valencia,Spain It is a short grain and variety with a pearled colour. Its size is equivalent to that of the short grain rice, sometimes even smaller, yet Bomba rice more than doubles its size when cooked. It is much harder than any other variety in the world, thus allowing it to absorb more liquid (more flavours!) and aromas and that when cooked it is always “al dente”, loose and whole. This rice maintains its consistency even under extended cooking; it never becomes sticky, fluffy, or mushy. The grains remain separate and individually loose from one ideal desired feature for paella cooking.
Bomba Rice - The best feature: It’s very difficult to overcook. Although it’s the ultimate for paella, it’s incredible for all types of rice dishes giving them its distinct, very appealing characteristics.
Which rice should I buy? (Extra or Bomba)
Bomba is recommended to three key audiences: Beginning cooks, Catering companies, and anyone who has better things to do than to hover over the stove
• For our beginner cooks, Bomba is best because it won’t overcook, it absorbs more liquid to ensure your paella isn’t soggy, and is consistent every time you cook paella.
• For Catering: Even when maintained warm for extended time, the rice will maintain it’s texture and shape without getting mushy.
• For everyone: Longer, more flexible cooking times with consistent results means you get to do what really matters. . .enjoy the art of making the paella instead of worrying about it!
How many servings are in a 1 (2.2lbs) kilo bag of paella rice?
1 kilo (1 Kg) of paella rice is generally enough for 10 servings. In more detail: Each 1 kilo bag contains 2.2 Lbs of rice, or about 4 cups uncooked rice. We recommend about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of rice per person.
How much water do I add to my paella rice?
Our 'Santo Tomas Extra' Paella rice requires 2 cups of water/broth per cup of uncooked rice. Our 'Bomba' Paella rice requires 2 1/2 to 3 cups cups of water/broth per cup of uncooked rice.
