Benavente, a municipality situated in the heart of Lezíria do Ribatejo, reveals a deep connection to the Tagus River and its fertile plains. The landscape is dominated by the vast Lezíria, where agriculture, particularly the cultivation of rice, shapes the environment and local life.
This territory is marked by a strong rural and equestrian identity. Here, it is possible to observe the tradition of the campino and the breeding of horses and bulls, central elements of Ribatejo culture that are manifested in daily life and local celebrations. The presence of the Tagus River is fundamental, influencing not only agricultural activity but also the region's biodiversity, with wetlands that host diverse species.
Benavente's heritage reflects its history and the influences of Ribatejo life, with a tranquil atmosphere that invites exploration of the characteristic way of life in this area of Portugal.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
A seasonal dish enjoyed in the Ribatejo region, especially in the Lezíria de Benavente, due to its proximity to the Tagus River, where lampreys are caught. This rice, cooked with fresh lamprey and a rich sauté, reflects riverside cuisine and the local tradition of utilizing river resources.
Eels, caught in the freshwater of the Lezíria and surrounding waterways, are the base of this traditional stew. Prepared with bread, garlic, cilantro, and an aromatic broth, this dish reflects popular wisdom in utilizing the municipality's natural resources and its connection to wetlands.
The result of the strong tradition of raising fighting bulls in the Lezíria de Benavente, this dish highlights bull meat, slow-cooked until tender and flavorful. It is a robust dish that represents the rural culture and the municipality's deep connection to livestock farming.
A comforting and historic soup, popular throughout the Ribatejo region. Its name comes from the legend of a friar who tricked people into giving him ingredients for a soup that would only contain a stone. The local version includes a variety of pork meats (chorizo, bacon, ribs), beans, and potatoes, being an example of the rural and substantial gastronomy of the Lezíria.
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