There’s something truly comforting about a hearty dish that you can always rely on to warm your soul and fill your home with delicious aromas. Today, we’re exploring a traditional Portuguese recipe that captures the essence of cozy home cooking: Pork Alentejana. This dish hails from the Alentejo region of Portugal and combines tender pieces of pork with the briny goodness of clams for a memorable and satisfying meal. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Portugal with this flavorful and comforting recipe.
**Pork Alentejana**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 lb littleneck clams, scrubbed and cleaned
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1/2 cup chicken stock
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Paprika, for seasoning
– Crusty bread, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pork:** Season the pork pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced red bell pepper until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. **Deglaze the Pan:** Pour the white wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
4. **Simmer the Stew:** Return the pork to the skillet and add the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the stew simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. **Cook the Clams:** While the pork stew is simmering, in a separate pot, bring a little water to a boil. Add the cleaned clams, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes, until the clams have opened. Discard any unopened clams.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Once the pork is tender, add the steamed clams to the skillet, along with the chopped fresh cilantro. Give everything a gentle stir to combine and let the flavors mingle for a few minutes.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Pork Alentejana hot, garnished with additional cilantro and accompanied by crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce. This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of crisp white wine and good company.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Portugal with this hearty and satisfying Pork Alentejana recipe. The tender pork, briny clams, and aromatic herbs come together to create a dish that will transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Alentejo region. Gather your loved ones around the table and savor every bite of this comforting and delicious meal.
