Manteigas, a municipality nestled in the heart of Serra da Estrela, presents a landscape of rare natural beauty and a unique cultural heritage. The territory is shaped by its geology, with the Zêzere Glacial Valley standing out, a remarkable example of glacial formation in the Iberian Peninsula, offering grand panoramas and rich biodiversity.
Manteigas' connection to nature is profound, with its clear rivers and the flora and fauna characteristic of the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. Its lands were, and continue to be, the cradle of pastoral traditions and wool manufacturing, with particular emphasis on Burel, a robust and warm fabric, once used by shepherds, which today represents the capacity for reinvention and local identity.
The tranquility found in Manteigas invites contemplation and contact with an authentic mountain environment. The purity of the air and the serenity of its scenery make this municipality a place where history and nature intertwine harmoniously, providing an immersive experience in mountain life.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
This cheese, with a soft or semi-soft paste, is one of the most emblematic products of the Serra da Estrela region, to which Manteigas belongs. It is produced artisanally with milk from Bordaleira Serra da Estrela or Churra Mondegueira sheep, thistle rennet, and salt, following ancestral methods that give it a unique flavor and aroma, reflecting the high-altitude pastures.
A comforting and substantial dish, Manteigas bean stew is a local variation of the traditional bean stew. It is prepared with dried beans, enriched with various pork meats and mountain sausages, slow-cooked to enhance the flavors. It is a dish that reflects rural tradition and the need for energetic meals in mountain life.
Given the abundance of clear rivers and streams in the Manteigas region, trout is a fresh and tasty fish that is part of the local gastronomy. It is usually prepared grilled, seasoned simply to enhance its natural flavor, accompanied by boiled potatoes and garden vegetables, a light and genuine meal.
A festive and traditional dish in the highlands, roasted goat or lamb is prepared in the oven, seasoned with garlic, salt, paprika, and mountain herbs. The tender and succulent meat comes from animals raised in local pastures, which gives it a distinct flavor and a deep connection to the region's landscape and pastoral traditions.
This simple and traditional dessert represents mountain sweets. Ricotta, a fresh and smooth dairy derivative, is produced from sheep's milk whey, often from the production of Serra da Estrela cheese. It is served with pumpkin jam, which provides a contrast of flavors and textures, uniting the sweetness of the land with the richness of local dairy products.
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