Cozido das Furnas – How It’s Made and Where to Eat

When talking about the gastronomy of the Azores, it’s impossible not to mention the iconic Cozido das Furnas. This dish, from the island of São Miguel, is known not only for its distinct flavour but also for its unique preparation method, which involves cooking the ingredients in the volcanic soil of Furnas.

It has a unique and unforgettable flavour, characteristic of the way it’s cooked.

The Secret of Cozido das Furnas

The true charm of Cozido das Furnas lies not just in its fresh ingredients, but in how they are cooked. Using the geothermal heat from the soil of Furnas, each pot is buried and left to cook slowly for about five hours, resulting in a flavourful dish with a taste that can only be found in the Azores.

How is Cozido das Furnas made?

At the invitation of a local Furnas restaurant where you can enjoy this typical dish, Chef Pedro Rocha shows us how the famous Cozido das Furnas is made in the video below. A Bluebird Productions film.

Ingredients for Cozido das Furnas

Cozido das Furnas is a rich and varied combination of meats and vegetables. Although the recipe can vary slightly depending on the chef or family tradition, the common ingredients include:

• 1/2 Chicken
• 800g Beef
• 500g Pork with Bone (Leg)
• 250g Bacon
• 300g Pork Chop
• 8 Potatoes
• 4 Sweet Potatoes
• 4 Carrots
• 1 Cabbage
• 1 Kale
• 1 Blood Sausage (Morcela)
• 1 Chouriço
• 2 Yams
• Salt

How to make Cozido das Furnas

The day before, consider seasoning the meats to enhance their flavour. Some people marinate them in a mix of garlic, wine, and pimenta da terra.

You should start by cutting the beef, pork, and chicken into medium, regular-sized pieces, followed by the potatoes, chouriço, and bacon. As for the carrots, cut them in half lengthwise. The cabbage and kale should be cut into quarters.

Arrange all the ingredients in a pot in several alternating layers. You can follow this order: place the pork at the bottom, followed by the beef, cabbage, kale, potatoes, yams, carrots, and chicken. At the top of the pot, place the Morcela and Chouriço wrapped in cabbage leaves.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Close the pot with its lid and tie it shut with a rope. It is recommended that you place the pot inside a burlap sack.

Once at the Caldeiras in Furnas Valley, you will need to request an available hole to cook your Cozido das Furnas. After about 5 to 7 hours, your stew will be ready. Enjoy your Cozido das Furnas!

Where to eat Cozido das Furnas

If you simply wish to enjoy this unique and traditional regional dish, you can do so at several restaurants in the Furnas area. Every day, with holes reserved specifically for this purpose, many portions of Cozido das Furnas are cooked exclusively for the local restaurants.

Given the high daily demand, it is recommended that you book your table in advance.

O Miroma Restaurant

Rua Dr. Frederico Moniz Pereira 15, Furnas
Phone: 296 584 422
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Tony’s Restaurant

Largo do Teatro 5, Furnas
Phone: 296 584 290
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Terra Nostra Garden Hotel Restaurant

Rua Padre José Jacinto Botelho, 5, Furnas
Phone: 296 549 090
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Caldeiras & Vulcões Restaurant

Rua das Caldeiras, 36, Furnas
Phone: 296 584 312
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Banhos Férreos Restaurant

Rua Maria Augenia, N.º1, Furnas
Phone: 296 584 504
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Águas Quentes Restaurant

Rua das Águas Quentes, Furnas
Phone: 296 584 482
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