As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, my parents have been visiting with us for a while. It’s been so nice having them around, watching them interact with and really get to know their grandkids. The boys have loved having them around as well. Unfortunately their visit will be ending soon and they’ll be heading back to the Azores. I think they’ve loved hanging out with us, but I’m sure they’ll be thrilled to walk through the doors of their own home. I’ve always felt that way… vacations are awesome, but there’s something special about getting “home”.
Learning from mom
It’s so much harder to get detailed information about cooking over the phone, especially when most of the instructions are “A little bit of this, and a pinch of that”. I took advantage of my mom being here to ask her lots of questions about her cooking and to watch her in the kitchen.
She laughed every time I asked for the little details… like “That cinnamon in your hand… is that about 1/4 tsp?”. The typical response was “I don’t know, it’s a little”, followed by a chuckle 🙂 She was always happy to help me understand, but I think she still doesn’t get why food bloggers have to be so detailed with their recipes. It’s not the way she learned.
I do think she gets a kick from me wanting to learn all these recipes from back home. She’ll often tell people… “Nelson’s made that”, and I see a little pride in her face. That’s pretty sweet!
What are these Chicharros we speak of?
Chicharros are small blue horse mackerel or stickleback (fish). In Ribeiras, the town where I lived on the Island of Pico in the Azores, you’ll often see folks hanging out at the end of the dock early in the morning or before sunset, casting out their fishing lines to catch some of these little fish. One line will often bring in multiple fish. It’s quite a site! Unfortunately, we can’t get them that fresh where we live, so we settle for frozen. They’re still super tasty!
Traditional Azores meals
Since our town was a fishing town and we typically had an abundance of fish, these “chicharro” definitely make it to my personal top 5 list of most traditional meals I grew up eating. The fish are fantastic fried and eaten plain… but the sauce… oh the sauce!!! The sauce turns this from a very good meal to a fantastic meal. One thing though, you have to enjoy garlic. If you don’t, you might want to leave off the sauce… it’s got bite!
When we get the smaller ones, I will typically eat them without removing the middle bones. They’re crunchy and delicious! Of course, always be careful with fish bones. This dish is often called “chicharros embogados” or “chicharros com molho cru”. Other areas of the Azores or even areas of our Island will sometimes name these something different or prepare them in a different way. Regardless, I think they’re always a treat.
If you haven’t done this lately, go pull out your book of traditions, cook up something nostalgic, and always eat well, friends!
5.0 from 2 reviews
Azores Chicharros with Sauce (Blue Horse Mackerel or Stickleback)
My Mother’s parents were from Pico, My Father’s from Madeira. This was my favorite in Pico…. thank you for sharing…do you know how long I tried to find out what kind of mackerel it was…my husband said they were smelts…others said sardines….wow…. I just said I loved it so much and wanted to make it at home.
You’re very welcome. We love hearing stories like this! It makes us feel even better about the effort we put into our blog. I made chicharros again just last weekend. The flavour always takes me back to when I was young. Take care and thanks for dropping by.
Hi Nelson, I went to the Portuguese Market in Point Loma in San Diego California and bought the Horse Back Mackerel from Portugal…OMG I made it with your recipe….have to tell you Thank You So Much! It was so wonderful and brought me back to my roots! My Avoa also fried fish with this sauce! I have her Kale Soup which is very hearty, lots of meat, cabbage and potatoes, not like on the main land , Portugal where they call it green soup and not Madeira style with pork. Pico Style…the best! Love your website! Nancy (Half Pico, Half Madeira)
Hi Nancy, thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your kind feedback with us. We’re so happy you enjoyed the chicharros! We love it when people enjoy our recipes as much as we do. Viva o Pico! Happy cooking!
I live in the state of Washington and we would love to ge able to get some chicharros! But don’t know from where! Do you know where we could find some? Or order?
Thank you!
Unfortunately I don’t know the area. My suggestion would be to call local fish mongers and ask them if it’s something they can order for you. They’ll have access to products even if they don’t currently carry them. Happy cooking!
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My Mother’s parents were from Pico, My Father’s from Madeira. This was my favorite in Pico…. thank you for sharing…do you know how long I tried to find out what kind of mackerel it was…my husband said they were smelts…others said sardines….wow…. I just said I loved it so much and wanted to make it at home.
You’re very welcome. We love hearing stories like this! It makes us feel even better about the effort we put into our blog. I made chicharros again just last weekend. The flavour always takes me back to when I was young. Take care and thanks for dropping by.
Hi Nelson, I went to the Portuguese Market in Point Loma in San Diego California and bought the Horse Back Mackerel from Portugal…OMG I made it with your recipe….have to tell you Thank You So Much! It was so wonderful and brought me back to my roots! My Avoa also fried fish with this sauce! I have her Kale Soup which is very hearty, lots of meat, cabbage and potatoes, not like on the main land , Portugal where they call it green soup and not Madeira style with pork. Pico Style…the best! Love your website! Nancy (Half Pico, Half Madeira)
Hi Nancy, thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your kind feedback with us. We’re so happy you enjoyed the chicharros! We love it when people enjoy our recipes as much as we do. Viva o Pico! Happy cooking!
I live in the state of Washington and we would love to ge able to get some chicharros! But don’t know from where! Do you know where we could find some? Or order?
Thank you!
Unfortunately I don’t know the area. My suggestion would be to call local fish mongers and ask them if it’s something they can order for you. They’ll have access to products even if they don’t currently carry them. Happy cooking!