The art of countryside Cuisine and Winery in Alentejo

The secret is in simplicity. The hospitality of Alentejo people is served well and full of flavor! Creativity and imagination are symbols of this century's cuisine, which it’s celebrated with fresh and simple ingredients from the countryside, mixed together in a tasty and cozy meal. 

This region of Portugal is not only enriched with ancient traces of history, but it is also home to one of the most beautiful sights in Portugal, filled with golden plains, as far as the eye can see, where cattle, swine herds, and Lusitanian horses, freely coexist and graze in olive tree plantations and oak groves.

Alentejo Plaines

Alentejo has much to discover and its gastronomy makes this region one of the most popular cuisines in Europe. Bread, olive oil, and ground meat are key ingredients that must not be missed at a table, generously combined with aromatic herbs such as coriander, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and mint.

What to expect? 

Small plates of delicacies carefully prepared, such as scrambled eggs with “alheira” sausage, asparagus, delicious grilled peppers, and a typical dish called “migas” with sautéed bread, garlic, and tomatoes. The perfect match to be paired with pork or shredded codfish. 

In addition, the so-called "moelas", a specialty prepared with spices and fresh pepper, is the ideal starter for the next plate, usually followed by the most famous and a must-try - the Alentejo soup.

In line with this region’s cuisine, travelers cannot forget the famous gazpacho, served cold with sausage and bread, or the well-known “cação” soup, drizzled with coriander. However, without a doubt, the one that warms the senses the most is the so-called - “açorda” soup, made with water, olive oil, garlic, poached egg, bread, and coriander. 

Cação Soup || Source: Food From Portugal

For the main course, tourists need to try the Alentejo-style pork dish, or discover savory and traditional ground beef melas such as the wild rabbit and old boar, accompanied by delicious sausages and ham, making it an irresistible combination! The freshness of the products comes from the natural treatment of the animals themselves, raised in the open air and fed by the nature of Alentejo plains.

Walking further to the coast, travelers can find delicious fresh fish and seafood dishes, such as the famous clams “à bulhão pato” or a plate of barnacles. 

Amêijoa à Bulhão Pato || Source: Visit Portugal 

The other ingredient of Alentejo cuisine, well-known and sought after by international tasters, is the spicy and creamy taste of regional cheeses from Nisa, Serpa and Évora. Between sheep and goat, the simplicity goes from the driest to the medium ripened and creamy flavor of the cheese itself, without missing the elegance of the regional wine that matches perfectly with a late afternoon tasting.

The famous red wines of Portalegre, Reguengos Vidigueira and Borba, are some of the examples that make the Alentejo region the most popular wine route in the world. From the sweet touch to the strongest flavor, the Alentejo winery is ready to be discovered, where each dish adorns the refinement of the juicy grapes raised by the traditional touch of the vast vineyeards in Alentejo.

Alentejo Winery  || Source: Time Out Lisboa

In the end, there is still room for the delights of traditional pastries. In Évora, there is no lack of regional sweets. Discover “pão de rala” (with eggs, and sugar), the “pinhoada” and “morgados” made of almonds, eggs, and pumpkin, as well as the famous "queijadas". Don't miss the "tibornas" from Vila Viçosa, or try the honey cakes from Monforte.

You will always be welcome in an Alentejo house, where the art of welcoming is filled by tasteful a table of delicacies, surrounded by friends and a good conversation. 

The true secret of Alentejo regional gastronomy is that there is always something typical for each season of the year, which brings out the freshness and richness of the prepared ingredients.  In the summer, close to the Alentejo coast, fresh grilled fish and cold gazpacho make summer afternoons more refreshing; whether in winter, look for the tasty meat dishes and the coziness of “migas”. In spring, the lightness of bread soup and lamb casserole make it the perfect ending to an afternoon in the sun, and in fall, the delicious cheese selection and boar sausages deserve a prominent place at the table.

Wine and Cheese Tasting || Source: Clube de Vinhos e Sabores

And where to stay?

In Alentejo there is always a table set ... and a place where you will always be welcome! Whether it’s in the countryside or by the sea, discover the best of this region in an authentic stay that combines gastronomy and tradition in a single place.

Read more about the Alentejo region, here!