Portuguese clams and pork

As a food blogger, I’ve had the pleasure of trying all sorts of delicious dishes from around the world. But there’s one dish that holds a special place in my heart (and stomach): Portuguese clams and pork. The first time I tried this dish was at my friend’s house. Her mother, a lovely Portuguese woman with a talent for cooking, had prepared it for us. And let me tell you, it was love at first bite.

I still remember the rich flavors of the tender pork and the fresh clams, all perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before. And the best part? It was made with love by my friend’s mother, who shared with us her family’s recipe and the history behind this traditional Portuguese dish.

Since then, I’ve made it my mission to perfect this recipe and share it with all of you. And today, I’m excited to do just that. But before we dive into the recipe itself, let me tell you a little bit more about this dish and why it’s so special.

Portuguese clams and pork, also known as “Carne de Porco à Alentejana,” is a traditional dish from the Alentejo region of Portugal. It combines two of the region’s most popular ingredients: pork and clams. The pork is marinated in a mixture of garlic, red pepper paste, white wine, and other seasonings before being cooked with the clams. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

But what really sets this dish apart is its history. According to my friend’s mother, this dish has been passed down from generation to generation in her family. And it’s not just her family – many Portuguese families have their own version of this recipe, each with its own unique twist.

So why am I telling you all of this? Because I want you to understand that this isn’t just any old recipe – it’s a piece of Portuguese culture and history. And when you make it at home, you’re not just cooking a meal – you’re taking part in a tradition that has been passed down for generations.

But enough about history – let’s talk about flavor! Because let me tell you, this dish is bursting with it. The combination of the tender pork and the fresh clams is simply divine. And the marinade – oh, the marinade! It adds so much depth and complexity to the dish. Trust me when I say that once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked.

So without further ado, let’s get cooking! Put on your apron, grab your ingredients, and get ready to make some delicious Portuguese clams and pork. And don’t worry if you’re not an expert cook – this recipe is easy to follow and I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s do this!

INGREDIENTS

• 2.2 lbs of potatoes
• 1.5 lbs of pork
• 0.5 lbs of clams
• 2 oz of pickles
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 6.7 fl oz of white wine
• 1.7 fl oz of olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of red pepper
• Cilantro to taste
• Olives to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by preparing the pork: remove any excess fat and cut it into cubes. Season the pork with chopped garlic, red pepper paste, white wine, salt and pepper. Let the pork marinate in this mixture for 1 hour.
2. Heat a pan with olive oil, add the drained pork and let it sauté until it’s nicely browned. After sautéing, pour in the marinade and let it cook until the pork is tender.
3. While the pork is cooking, peel and wash the potatoes, cut them into cubes and fry them until they’re crispy and golden brown. Then drain and set aside.
4. When the pork is tender, adjust the seasoning to your liking and add the clams. Mix the clams and pork together and let them cook over low heat until the clams open.
5. Remove from heat, add the potatoes and chopped cilantro. Arrange on a platter and decorate with olives and pickles.

NOTES

• One way to enhance the flavor of this dish is to marinate the pork for a longer period of time. Instead of marinating for just 1 hour, try marinating the pork for at least 4 hours or even overnight. This will allow the pork to absorb more of the flavors from the marinade and result in a more flavorful dish.
• Another way to improve this recipe is to use high-quality ingredients. For example, try using fresh clams instead of canned or frozen ones. Fresh clams will have a better texture and flavor than their canned or frozen counterparts. Additionally, using high-quality olive oil and white wine can also enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• You can also experiment with different cuts of pork. While this recipe calls for pork loin, you could try using pork shoulder or pork belly instead. These cuts have more fat and will result in a more tender and flavorful dish.
• Adding additional herbs and spices can also improve this recipe. For example, try adding some fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade. These herbs will add depth and complexity to the flavor of the dish.
• Another way to improve this recipe is to serve it with a side of vegetables. While this dish already includes potatoes, you could also serve it with some sautéed greens such as spinach or kale. This will add some additional nutrients and color to the dish.
• Finally, consider serving this dish with a glass of Portuguese wine. A crisp white wine such as Vinho Verde would pair well with the flavors of this dish and enhance your overall dining experience.