Portuguese Pork and Clams | Porco à Alentejana
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
2 hrs
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Cook Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
670 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Portuguese
Portuguese Pork and Clams | Porco à Alentejana
Description
Portuguese Pork and Clams, known as Porco à Alentejana, starts by marinating pork shoulder chunks in a red pepper paste and dry white wine for 24 to 36 hours to develop deep flavor and tenderize the meat. After draining and patting the pork dry, it is browned in olive oil over moderate heat in batches to create caramelized surfaces while maintaining juiciness.
Onions and garlic are softened in the same pot to build aroma, then the reserved marinade is added back along with the pork to simmer gently until tender. The clams are then incorporated, steaming open and contributing their natural brininess to the sauce. Fresh cilantro is stirred in at the end to add brightness and fresh herbal notes.
This dish delivers tender pork with a mildly spicy tang from the pepper paste, a rich, wine-infused broth, and sweet, tender clams. It is commonly served as a main course with crusty bread or potatoes to soak up the flavorful cooking liquids.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) chunks, boneless, or butt
- 1/4 cup red pepper paste
- 1 3/4 cups white wine dry
- 6 tablespoons olive oil plus more if needed
- 2 medium onion coarsely choppped, yellow
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pounds potato peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes, Yukon gold variety
- salt Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 1/4 pounds clam such as cockles, manila, butter, or littlenecks, scrubbed and rinsed, small
- 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, chopped leaves
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the pork chunks with the red pepper paste. Add the wine and toss again. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 36 hours.
- Position a rack in the middle of the oven and crank up the heat to 400°F (200°C).
- In a colander set over a large bowl, drain the pork, reserving the marinade. Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm 3 tablespoons olive oil. Working in batches, add the pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Add more oil in between batches, if needed. Transfer the pieces to a plate using a slotted spoon. If the bottom of the pot develops a dark coating, tip in some water in between batches and scrape it up.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the onion, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the reserved marinade, return the pork to the pot, and cook, covered, over low heat until the meat is tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If it looks as if the liquid will burble away, spoon in a bit of water.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, season lightly with salt and with plenty of pepper, and scatter in one layer on a rimmed foil-lined baking sheet. Roast, flipping them once or twice, until golden brown, about 45 minutes.
- Discard any clams that feel heavy (which means they’re full of sand), have broken shells, or don’t close when tapped.
- Raise the heat under the pork to high, stir in the clams, cover, and cook until they open, 7 to 10 minutes. Toss out any that refuse to pop open. Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, remove half the clams from their shells, and return them to the pot. Toss out the shells. Line the bottom of the serving bowls with the potato cubes, top with the pork and clams and broth, and sprinkle with the cilantro. Have a large bowl at the ready for the shells.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 670 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 670kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 41g | 63% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 129mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 289mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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