Welcome to the culinary adventure through Portland, a city renowned for its vibrant food scene, unique eateries, and the famous Portland Ate-Oh-Ate. This blog post will guide you through seven irresistible recipes that encapsulate the essence of what makes Portland's food culture so special. From hearty breakfast dishes to indulgent desserts, these recipes are a testament to the city's culinary diversity and innovation. So, let's dive into the flavors and techniques that define this culinary hub!
Breakfast: Portland Pancakes
Start your day with a Portland twist on a classic breakfast. These pancakes aren’t just any ordinary pancakes; they’re a fluffy, rich experience infused with a touch of maple syrup in the batter for a delightful hint of sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (cooled)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup, divided
To make:
- Whisk together dry ingredients in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with buttermilk, then add melted butter and half of the maple syrup.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat, and use the remaining maple syrup to grease the cooking surface.
- Pour batter to form pancakes, cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
🍳 Note: For an extra Portland touch, top these pancakes with a dollop of marionberry jam, a local favorite.
Mid-Morning Snack: Stumptown Latte Macchiato
Portland’s coffee culture is unparalleled, and what better way to embrace it than with a homemade Stumptown Latte Macchiato? This recipe uses Stumptown’s renowned espresso and creates layers of espresso, steamed milk, and a hint of foam for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Espresso (2 shots)
- Whole milk
- A steaming wand or milk frother
To prepare:
- Prepare 2 shots of espresso and pour them into a serving glass.
- Steam the milk to create microfoam.
- Gently pour the steamed milk over the espresso, leaving the foam for the top layer.
- Finish with a gentle swirl or latte art for the authentic Portland coffeehouse experience.
☕ Note: If you can't get Stumptown beans, use high-quality dark roast coffee beans for a similar flavor profile.
Lunch: Voodoo Doughnut Sandwich
Who says doughnuts can’t be savory? Voodoo Doughnut, an iconic Portland staple, inspired this quirky sandwich. Picture a bacon-maple bar doughnut sandwiching savory fillings for an eclectic lunch experience.
- Voodoo Doughnut's Maple Bacon Bar (or any maple doughnut)
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Applewood smoked bacon
- Lettuce, tomato, and mayo (for a classic BLT twist)
To assemble:
- Halve the doughnut horizontally.
- Layer cheese on the bottom half, followed by crispy bacon.
- Add fresh lettuce and tomato slices.
- Top with a schmear of mayo and the other half of the doughnut.
- Press gently and serve immediately for the best texture.
Portland's love for inventive cuisine shines through in this dish, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Afternoon Delight: Tasty n Alder’s Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad
A testament to the Portland’s farm-to-table ethos, this twist on the classic Caesar salad features raw shaved Brussels sprouts instead of romaine lettuce.
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly shaved
- 2 anchovy fillets
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Croutons
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- In a large bowl, mix together the shaved Brussels sprouts.
- Make the dressing by blending or mashing the anchovies, garlic, egg yolk, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with the dressing, adding croutons for texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp, fresh flavors.
Dinner: Little Bird Bistro’s Duck Confit
Dive into one of Portland’s hidden culinary gems with this recipe for duck confit, served at Little Bird Bistro. While traditionally a time-consuming process, this at-home version brings the essence of this French classic to your kitchen.
- 4 duck legs with thighs
- 4 cups rendered duck fat (or substitute with lard or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt
- Black peppercorns
Method:
- Season duck legs liberally with salt, garlic, and thyme, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Rinse salt off duck legs, pat dry, and arrange in a Dutch oven.
- Add enough fat to cover the legs, add peppercorns.
- Cook in the oven for 2.5-3 hours until tender.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the fat before finishing with a quick sear in a hot skillet for crispy skin.
🍲 Note: Confit duck can be stored in the fat for preservation, allowing for spontaneous gourmet dinners.
Evening Treat: Salt & Straw Ice Cream Pie
For dessert, Portland’s own Salt & Straw ice cream inspires this ice cream pie, featuring their unique flavors in a no-bake setting.
- 2 cups chocolate cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 pints of Salt & Straw ice cream (like Honey Lavender or Caramelized Banana PB)
- Whipped cream and toppings of choice
Preparation:
- Mix crushed cookies with melted butter and press into a pie dish.
- Soften ice cream slightly and spread into the crust, leveling the top.
- Freeze until firm. Top with whipped cream and your favorite Salt & Straw toppings.
Portland's dessert scene is not to be underestimated, and this pie is a sweet ode to the creativity found in the city's eateries.
Late Night Snack: Screen Door’s Fried Chicken and Waffles
End your Portland culinary journey with a hearty and comforting dish - Fried Chicken and Waffles, a fusion that Screen Door does with mastery. Here’s how to recreate this beloved dish:
- 4 chicken drumsticks or breasts
- Buttermilk for soaking
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- Salt and pepper
- Waffle batter (homemade or from mix)
- Maple syrup
To make:
- Soak chicken in buttermilk for 4-12 hours.
- Mix flour with spices. Dredge chicken in flour, shake off excess.
- Fry chicken in a deep fryer or heavy skillet at 350°F until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make waffles per package instructions or your favorite recipe.
- Serve fried chicken atop waffles with a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
The merging of southern comfort with Portland flair culminates in a dish that's both indulgent and innovative.
As we’ve seen, Portland’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, creativity, and local ingredients. Each dish we’ve explored showcases the city’s commitment to unique tastes, sustainability, and the fusion of different food cultures. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast pancakes or late-night chicken and waffles, Portland’s influence in every bite is undeniable. The recipes here not only bring a taste of Portland to your kitchen but also encapsulate the city’s spirit of adventure and culinary innovation. Happy cooking, and may every meal be an adventure in itself!
Can I make these Portland recipes if I live outside of Portland?
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Absolutely! While some ingredients might be more region-specific, substitutions can often be made. For instance, use any high-quality dark roast coffee beans for Stumptown’s latte. The spirit of Portland’s cuisine is adaptable and encourages creativity.
Where can I find the special ingredients for these recipes?
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Many of these ingredients can be found in local grocery stores or specialized food markets. For Portland-specific items like Stumptown Coffee or Salt & Straw Ice Cream, consider ordering online or finding local artisan equivalents.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Voodoo Doughnut Sandwich?
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Yes, you can easily vegetarianize the Voodoo Doughnut Sandwich by substituting the bacon with smoky, fried tempeh or portobello mushrooms for that savory component. Add cheese or avocado for richness, and your sandwich will still capture that Portland quirkiness.
