Alentejana Costitã (Entercosto á Alentejana)

Delicious Alentejana Pork Ribs Recipe with Flavored Potato Side Dish

Welcome to the wonderful world of Alentejo cuisine! Today, I will share with you the recipe for a traditional dish, Alentejana Pork Ribs, which will bring the aroma and warmth of the Alentejo region directly to your table. This recipe is a perfect combination of succulent meat and flavorful side dish that will delight your taste buds and turn any meal into a feast.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 12 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 13 hours 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

For Alentejana Pork Ribs:
- 1 kg of pork spare ribs, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon of Vinha de Alhos paste*
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 dl of white wine
- Juice of 6-7 lemons
- 6-8 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 bunch of fresh coriander, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- A few strands of Indian saffron, for flavor

For Flavored Potato Side Dish:
- 1 kg of potatoes, peeled and diced
- Flavored salt, to taste
- Chopped onion, to preference

*Vinha de Alhos paste is an aromatic combination of peppers, garlic, wine, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. You can purchase it from stores or make it at home by mixing the mentioned ingredients.

Preparation steps:

1. Marinating the meat: Start by preparing the meat. Clean the pork spare ribs well and place them in a large bowl. Add the Vinha de Alhos paste, crushed garlic, bay leaves, white wine, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, mixing well to evenly coat the meat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to marinate for at least 12 hours. The longer you let the meat marinate, the more intense the flavors will become.

2. Cooking the meat: After the meat has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and drain it well from the marinade. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the pieces of meat in the skillet and fry until golden on all sides, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Cooking with marinade: Once the meat is browned, add the reserved marinade to the skillet. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, until the meat becomes tender and juicy. While cooking, stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Preparing the side dish: In another pot, boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender but not too soft. Drain them well and let them cool slightly. Once they have drained, add flavored salt, saffron, and chopped onion. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

5. Serving: Once the meat is ready, place it on a platter and sprinkle fresh chopped coriander on top. Serve alongside the flavored potato side dish, and for a touch of freshness, add a few lemon slices.

Serving suggestions:
Alentejana Pork Ribs are delicious served with a fresh green salad or a grilled vegetable dish. Also, a glass of Alentejo white wine will perfectly complement this meal.

Tips and useful advice:
- Make sure the meat is well-marinated, as this is the key to achieving an intense and aromatic flavor.
- If you want to add a touch of spiciness, you can include some chili peppers in the marinade.
- Cook the meat over low heat to allow the flavors to develop slowly and evenly.

Nutritional benefits:
Alentejana Pork Ribs provide an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the pork and fresh ingredients used. The potatoes add a healthy portion of carbohydrates and fiber, making this dish a nutritious choice.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, this recipe can be adapted using veal or chicken, but the cooking time will change.
- How can I store leftovers? Alentejana Pork Ribs store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat before serving to restore juiciness.
- Is this recipe suitable for a festive meal? Absolutely! This dish is perfect for special occasions due to its rich flavors and appealing appearance.

Enjoy this delicious Alentejana Pork Ribs recipe and turn every meal into a celebration of taste and tradition! Bon appétit!