Hearty and filling and flavourful-these are the words that are most often used to describe the cuisine of Portugal. Designed, as it originally was, to sustain farm workers and other labourers through their long days, Portuguese fare is rooted firmly in the tradition of peasant food that is fresh, simple and easy to prepare.

Pimentos and Piri Piri is Carla Azevedo's tribute to that tradition. A food journalist and teacher who was first introduced to Portuguese cuisine by her husband, who came from a Portuguese family, Carla soon learned how to adapt Old World recipes to the New World environment of urban Toronto. Her first book, the bestselling and often-reprinted Uma Casa Portuguesa (Portuguese Home Cooking), was the result. At the time of its publication, Elizabeth Baird wrote, in Canadian Living magazine: "Pride and love. These are the words . . . that every Portuguese cook stirs into her kitchen creations. It's this pride and love that bubbled out when I spoke to Carla Azevedo."

Now, Carla has substantially revised, updated and added to her collection of Portuguese recipes and her understanding of Portuguese cuisine, and brings us Pimentos and Piri Piri.

This book features a comprehensive introduction, "Essentials of Portuguese Cuisine," with detailed glossaries of cooking techniques, ingredients and utensils. Also included are 330 recipes for a wide range of dishes: appetizers, snacks, soups, seafood and fish, poultry and game, beef, lamb and pork, vegetables and rice, sauces and breads and desserts.

Pimentos and Piri Piri includes such comforting recipes as:

• Pasta de Chouriéo (Chouriéo Pété)
• Caldo Verde (Creamy Potato Purée and Greens)
• Grilled Octopus in Red Pepper and Olive Relish
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Trout in Pine Nut Sauce
• Molho Piri Piri (Piri Piri Sauce)
• Camaréo com Pimentos (Spicy Shrimp)
• Bolo de Natal com Figos (Christmas Fig Cake)

Whether you are feeling adventurous and want to explore the tastes and flavours of Portugal, or just want to create a delicious and satisfying meal, Pimentos and Piri Piri is for you.

"Carla Azevedo's love affair with the tastes of Portugal started when she met her husband Antonio. She is a graduate of the acclaimed chef training program at George Brown College and of the journalism program at Ryerson Polytechnic Institute."

Carla Azevedo's profile page