Portuguese pork alentejana –Are you ready to try a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine? Carne de Porco à Alentejana, or Portuguese Pork and Clams, is a comfort food classic that is sure to impress both family and friends. This savory dish combines succulent pieces of pork with tender clams, all cooked in a mouthwatering sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner night or for impressing guests at a gathering. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Carne de Porco à Alentejana
Here’s a beautiful image of the dish to inspire you:

Now, let’s gather our ingredients for this wonderful recipe. You will need:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb little neck clams, cleaned
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking instructions:
- In a large bowl, season the pork cubes with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the marinated pork to the pot and brown it on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and bay leaves, cooking for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the pork cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Once the pork is cooked, add the cleaned clams to the pot. Cover again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the clams have opened.
- Discard any clams that didn’t open. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish before serving.
Serve the Carne de Porco à Alentejana with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy this delightful Portuguese dish that is sure to bring a taste of tradition to your table!