The Cozido das Furnas (“Furnas Stew”, if literally translated) represents a signature dish of Azorean cuisine which displays the relationship between island gastronomy and its volcanic geological heritage of São Miguel Island. People cook this traditional cuisine slowly through the geothermal heat that comes from Furnas calderas to emphasize authentic Azorean cultural elements.
Read this article to learn about Furnas Stew’s distinctive qualities, explore its preparation process, view locations and top restaurants, and uncover its rich historical roots.
What is Cozido das Furnas?
The Portuguese traditional stew takes on a unique form in Furnas Stew through its distinctive cooking technique. In this unique method, the traditional preparation method for this stew uses volcanic soil heat instead of conventional fire or oven cooking. The cooking process requires placing ingredients inside a cast-iron pot before burying the pot in geothermal holes, where it steams for about six hours.
The result is a succulent, aromatic dish infused with the earthy and mineral flavors characteristic of the region.
Recipe
Prepared with a meticulous selection of ingredients, the traditional Cozido das Furnas captures this cherished dish’s authentic and distinct taste. Below are the ingredients and step-by-step preparation for that signature Furnas flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 chicken;
- 800g beef;
- 500g bone-in pork leg;
- 300g pork chop;
- 250g bacon;
- 8 potatoes;
- 4 sweet potatoes;
- 4 carrots;
- 1 green cabbage;
- 1 kale;
- 1 blood sausage;
- 1 chorizo;
- 2 taro roots;
- Salt;
- Pepper.
Preparation
The preparation of Furnas Stew follows a traditional and meticulous process:
- Arranging the ingredients: In a large pot, place the meats (chicken, beef, and pork) at the bottom, followed by sausages (chorizo and blood sausage) and vegetables (potatoes, carrots, taro, and cabbage).
- Seasoning: Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
- Burying the pot: The pot is tightly sealed and wrapped in a resistant sack before being buried in one of the geothermal cooking holes.
- Slow cooking: The stew cooks for about six hours, absorbing the volcanic soil’s natural humidity and flavors.
Retrieval & Serving
After cooking, chefs remove the pots and serve the dish hot in local restaurants.
Where to See the Burying of the Furnas Stew?
Between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM, you can watch the cooking process at Caldeiras das Furnas, where the pots are retrieved from the holes in the morning.
Pro Tip
For a complete experience, it is recommended to watch the pot retrieval and then enjoy the dish at one of the local restaurants.
Where to Eat Cozido das Furnas?
- Tony’s (one of the most famous);
- Miroma;
- Caldeiras & Vulcões;
- Terra Nostra Garden Restaurant;
- Banhos Férreos.
Outside Furnas, some restaurants in Ponta Delgada and other areas of the island also serve this specialty.
Average Price of Furnas Stew
The price of this dish ranges from €15 to €25 per person, depending on the restaurant and the selected menu.
History & Origin of Cozido das Furnas
Local inhabitants started using volcanic heat to prepare food centuries ago, and that practice became the basis for the Furnas Stew tradition. The unique underground cooking tradition serves as a sign for Azorean culture and attracts culinary enthusiasts seeking out this distinctive culinary experience.
Conclusion
Furnas Stew is more than just a meal — it is a unique cultural experience that perfectly blends nature and gastronomy. Anyone visiting São Miguel should not miss the opportunity to taste this iconic Azorean dish!
→ Explore the authentic flavors of Azorean cuisine in our articles: Bolos Lêvedos | Gorreana Tea | Cozido das Furnas | Grilled Limpets
FAQs
Cozido das Furnas can be enjoyed at local restaurants such as Tony’s, Caldeiras e Vulcões, Terra Nostra Garden, or Banhos Férreos, all located in Furnas.
The price of this Azorean delicacy ranges from €15 to €25 per person, depending on the restaurant and the menu offered.
The cooking time for Cozido das Furnas is around 6 hours. The ingredients are slowly cooked using the natural heat from the fumaroles and volcanic soil.
Cozido das Furnas is prepared in the Caldeiras das Furnas, where the pot with the ingredients is buried in the volcanic soil for a slow and unique cooking process.
