Located in the interior of the Leiria district, Castanheira de Pêra presents itself as a municipality of serene landscapes and a deep connection to nature. This territory is embraced by a rich natural environment, characterized by lush vegetation and the presence of clear watercourses, such as the Pêra river, which contributes to the scenic beauty of the region.
Those who visit Castanheira de Pêra find an environment of calm and quietude, ideal for enjoying the harmony between land and water. The local orography, marked by gentle elevations and inviting valleys, offers diversified scenarios for observing local fauna and flora. The resilience and authenticity of the people of this land are a reflection of a history linked to rural work and respect for natural cycles.
The traditional architecture of the villages, with their schist houses, integrates organically into the landscape, telling the story of a municipality where time seems to flow at a different pace. It is an invitation to discover a more genuine Portugal, where simplicity and natural beauty are the central elements of the experience.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
A festive and traditional dish from the region, kid goat is slow-roasted in the oven, resulting in tender and succulent meat, often seasoned with garlic, bay leaf, and white wine. Its preparation evokes celebrations and family gatherings, being a symbol of the rich local cuisine.
This is one of the most emblematic dishes of Beira Litoral. Goat chanfana is cooked in sealed black clay pots in a wood-fired oven. The meat, usually from older goats, is slowly stewed in red wine, garlic, chili pepper, and bay leaf, giving it an intense flavor and shredded texture, mirroring the wisdom of country folk in valuing local resources.
A unique dish that uses carqueja, a shrubby plant common in the Beira landscape. The rice is cooked with the tender stems of this plant, giving it a slightly bitter and earthy flavor. It is a delicacy that represents the close relationship between gastronomy and the region's spontaneous flora, often served as an accompaniment to game or roasted meats.
Given the abundance of rivers and streams with clear waters in the region, fresh trout is one of the local hallmarks. They can be prepared in various ways, such as fried or grilled, highlighting their delicate flavor and the freshness of the fish caught in local waters. It is a reflection of the ichthyological richness of the waterways that cross the municipality.
A traditional oven-baked dessert, shared by several regions of Beira. Made with eggs, milk, sugar, and sometimes a touch of cinnamon and lemon zest, it is cooked in a clay bowl until golden brown and a characteristic crust forms. It represents the simplicity and ingenuity of popular confectionery, using basic ingredients of rural cuisine.
Taking advantage of the abundance of chestnut trees in the region, this cake celebrates the chestnut as the main ingredient. It is a dense and moist dessert, with the sweet and earthy flavor of chestnut, evoking autumnal flavors and the community's connection with local forest products.
Small fried fritters, traditionally prepared during festive seasons, especially Christmas. Made with flour, eggs, and sometimes a touch of brandy or orange zest, they are fried until golden and crispy, and are often sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. They symbolize popular sweets and the joy of community celebrations.
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