The Alentejo region of Portugal is known for its delicious and hearty cuisine, influenced by both Mediterranean and Portuguese traditions. Alentejo cuisine is a traditional and rustic style of slow cooking that clearly reflects it's local origins: it is simple, tasty and very satisfying. It is known for its hearty and comforting dishes that are made with locally sourced ingredients. Table of Contents Meat Mecca All About the Bread Alentejo Must-Try Dishes Just Desserts Meat Mecca I won't lie to all the vegetarians out there: one of the highlights of Alentejo cuisine is the meat. The region is known for its delicious pork, beef, and lamb dishes that are cooked to perfection. The meat is so tender that it almost melts in your mouth, and the flavors are rich and robust. All About the Bread Another staple of Alentejo cuisine is bread. The bread is typically made with a mixture of wholegrain and white wheat flour, and is known for its delicious crust and perfectly chewy dough. You can learn more about Alentejo bread right here. It's the perfect accompaniment to any meal and can also be used to make "migas", a traditional dish made with breadcrumbs and herbs, or you can simply dunk it in a bowl of excellent local olive oil, seasoned with fresh dried oregano! But to keep things simple, here's me short list of recommendations for the best dishes to try when you visit the Alentejo: Alentejo Must-Try Dishes Migas: This dish is made with stale bread, garlic, and olive oil, and is often served as a side dish. It's a simple but tasty dish that's popular in the Alentejo. Açorda: This hearty soup is made with bread, eggs, and a variety of vegetables, and is often served with a side of chicken or pork. It's a comforting and filling meal that's perfect for a cold day. I think it's so good, I've written a whole blog post on it! Carne de porco à Alentejana: This traditional dish consists of marinated pork and clams, served with boiled potatoes. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that's popular in the Alentejo. Ensopado de borrego: A traditional lamb stew made by slow-cooking lamb with a handful of simple ingredients - lamb, potatoes, and herbs and spices like bay leaves, garlic and paprika. The meat is cooked until it is tender and falling off the bone, and the stew is typically served with bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Sericaia: A type of cake made with eggs, sugar, milk and cornstarch, and is typically flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. This unusual cake is cooked in a dish similar to a ramekin, and is usually served cold with a candied plum. The pudding is smooth and creamy in texture, with a balance of sweetness and the spices. It's a simple but very delicious dessert that is perfect to finish a meal! Queijo de Serpa: This delicious cheese is made in the Alentejo, and it's known for its creamy and slightly salty flavor. It's often served as an appetizer, and pairs well with a glass of local wine. Wine Not? And lastly, let's not forget about the wine! Alentejo is known for its excellent wine, which is typically made from the local grape varieties such as Aragonez and Trincadeira. The wine is bold and flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the hearty meat and bread dishes. But I'll save the details on the fabulous wines of the Alentejo for another post! Taste Buddies Like most of the foods served around southern Europe, they are perfect for sharing at gatherings of family and friends, where the food is only half the fun. The meal is to be enjoyed and savoured as slowly as it was prepared. All in all, Alentejo cuisine is a comforting and delicious style of cooking that is sure to delight your taste buds and make the perfect meal to end a day of world-class cycling!
