Montalegre, a municipality nestled in northern Portugal, in the district of Vila Real, is the heart of the Barroso region. This area is recognized for its unique natural beauty and the strength of its traditions.
The territory is characterized by vast mountainous landscapes, where mountain ranges such as Larouco and Cabreira stand out. Nature, in an almost pure state, offers panoramic views, deep valleys, and crystal-clear rivers, creating an environment of deep serenity and great natural richness. The climate, sometimes harsh, shapes the landscape and local life.
Montalegre's history is rich, with traces of ancient settlements and a heritage that is manifested in rural architecture and customs. The community's life is intrinsically linked to the land and pastoralism, practices that have shaped the cultural identity of Barroso. The people of Montalegre keep their connection to their roots alive, preserving an intangible heritage that is reflected in their beliefs, legends, and way of life.
Visiting Montalegre is an opportunity to experience a genuine and authentic Portugal, where the grandeur of the landscape is united with simplicity and the depth of secular traditions. It is a place that invites calm discovery and contact with a deeply rooted culture.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
Smoked meats are one of the pillars of Montalegre and Barroso region's gastronomy. Handcrafted from pork of local breeds, such as Bísaro, and slowly smoked with oak or ash wood, the <i>ham</i>, <i>salpicão</i>, and <i>chouriça</i> stand out for their natural curing and intense flavor. They are the result of a centuries-old tradition of utilizing and preserving meat, deeply linked to rural life and the territory's agricultural cycle.
Originating from the Barrosã cattle or sheep breed, with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification, this meat is recognized for its <u>superior quality</u>, tenderness, and unmistakable flavor. The animals are raised in an extensive system, feeding on the region's natural pastures, which gives the meat unique characteristics, directly linked to the purity and richness of Montalegre's mountain meadows. It is served roasted or stewed.
This robust and comforting dish is the ultimate expression of Montalegre's traditional cuisine. It is a complete stew, using various sausages and meats from local smoked products, such as chouriça, morcela, and ham, combined with Barrosã beef, Montalegre potatoes, beans, and regional cabbage (sometimes Couve Pica). It represents the <b>ancestral wisdom</b> in utilizing the products of the land and livestock, being ideal for colder days and for sharing in community.
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