Carne de porco à alentejana is one of the best-known dishes of the Alentejo, and a regular sight on the tables of Montemor-o-Novo and the surrounding region.
The dish brings together two things at first sight unexpected: cubes of pork, marinated in garlic and the region's massa de pimentão — a red pepper paste — and clams. The pork is browned, the clams are opened in the same pan, and the two are served together, often with fried potato cubes and fresh coriander. The combination of meat from the land and shellfish from the coast is the dish's signature.
Though found across Portugal, carne de porco à alentejana carries the name of the Alentejo, and in Montemor-o-Novo it is part of the everyday cooking of the region. For the visitor, it is one of the most characteristic and satisfying tastes of an Alentejo table.
⭐ Imprescindible:
Pork with clams
Destacados
- One of the best-known dishes of the Alentejo
- Marinated pork combined with clams
- Seasoned with garlic and red pepper paste
- Often served with fried potato cubes and coriander
- Land and sea brought together on one plate
Preguntas frecuentes
What is carne de porco à alentejana?
It is a classic Alentejo dish of marinated pork cooked with clams, seasoned with garlic and red pepper paste.
Why are pork and clams served together?
The combination of meat from the land and shellfish from the coast is the dish's signature, and the reason for its fame.
Is the dish from Montemor-o-Novo?
It is a dish of the wider Alentejo, found across the region; in Montemor-o-Novo it is part of everyday local cooking.