This is a delicious recipe for Portuguese Abrotea in Shells, or Conchas de Abrotea. This delicious recipe is a traditional dish from the islands of the Azores where we are from! As the Azores are an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic the Azoreans have always been a seafaring people who naturally have a disposition for making delicious fish recipes. Abrotea is one of the most popular fishes to cook in Azorean cuisine and so this is an awesome recipe for enjoying this delicious fish. The combination of the delicious Abrotea with the baked breading is what makes this dish so popular and appetizing. Go ahead and try it out and tell us what you think!

Ingredients:
2 ounces butter
6 ounces Abrotea (Can also use cherne or bacalhau)
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup milk
2 ounces flour
Breadcrumbs
Pinch nutmeg
Grated cheese

Directions:
1) Poach the fish in water until cooked. Remove arid flake finely.
2) In a saucepan, make a white sauce with the butter, flour and milk.
3) When thickened, remove from the fire and add fish, a pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste.
4) Divide the mixture into individual serving portions and place either in shells or shallow oven-proof dishes.
5) Cover each shell with bread crumbs, grated cheese and a knob of butter.
6) Place in oven – 400 degrees for 20 minutes, or grill until brown.
Note: Served with salad and french bread this makes a light luncheon dish or can be used as a starter.