# **Cacoila à Alentejana: A Spicy Portuguese Pork Delight**
With its vibrant flavors and tender, fall-off-the-bone texture, Cacoila à Alentejana is a must-try dish for any lover of Portuguese cuisine. Originating from the Alentejo region of Portugal, this traditional pork dish is made with marinated pork shoulder that is slowly cooked in a rich sauce of white wine, garlic, paprika, and piri-piri peppers. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.
## **3 Recipe Ideas for Every Occasion:**
1. **Slow-Cooked Spicy Portuguese Cacoila:** This classic recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Simply marinate the pork shoulder in a mixture of white wine, garlic, paprika, and piri-piri peppers, then slow-cook it until fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve with roasted potatoes and a side of greens for a hearty and satisfying meal.
2. **Cacoila à Alentejana with Clams:** For a seafood twist on this traditional dish, add clams to the pot. The briny flavor of the clams pairs perfectly with the spicy pork, creating a complex and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests.
3. **Cacoila à Alentejana with Chorizo:** If you love the smoky flavor of chorizo, you'll enjoy this variation of Cacoila à Alentejana. Simply add sliced chorizo to the pot along with the pork shoulder and cook until the chorizo is crispy and the pork is tender. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
PORTUGUESE CACOILA
This is a wonderful sandwich filler made from pork that cooks until it is shredded. It is spicy and can be served on rolls or on rice. There are variations to this recipe, but this one comes from my Aunt Fanny in Fall River, Mass. Thanks Aunt Fanny!
Provided by quotFoodThe Way To
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 16m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Wash pork, cube and place in large pot.
- Slice onions and place in pan.
- Add all other ingredients.
- Cook at low heat for 1-1/2 hours; if mixture becomes dry, add 1 cup water and stir; DO NOT ALLOW TO DRY OUT! Continue to add small amounts of water as needed; Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Pork should be tender and break apart easily.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 558.4, Fat 24.3, SaturatedFat 8, Cholesterol 190.4, Sodium 713.2, Carbohydrate 12.2, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 6.1, Protein 63.6
CROCK POT CACOILA
This is my neice Kerrin's recipe which was handed down to her by her father. She serves this at many family functions and it is alway a hit. The original version of Cacoila use to be made with various organ meats (yuck), but this more modern version is delicious served with crusty Portuguese bread or rolls.
Provided by Lou Ann Marques
Categories Beef
Time 8h10m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Add everything but the small can of tomatoes to crock pot. Cook on high for 8-10 hours or until meat is shredded. The last 2 hours add the can of tomatoes undrained. You will have to stir with a fork to break up the meat once in a while. I usually do it every hour or so after the meat is cooked. Serve on your favorite roll. ENJOY!!
CACOILA (PORTUGUESE STEWED PORK)
You take an inexpensive piece of pork season it with a combination of spices and red wine, then slow cook to produce a tender and flavorful meal. In the south of Portugal the meat is cooked directly in the marinade (like this recipe) while some cooks in the north like to marinate the pork up to 2 days then cook it on a rack. Sometimes they slide a tray of cooked rice underneath the roast to catch the juices (the rice will have a strong flavor, not to everyone's taste). Please do not be tempted to use a more expensive cut, such as tenderloin, because it will not have the marbling necessary to keep the meat moist during the long cooking time. Serve with plain boiled potatoes and Portuguese hard rolls to soak up the pan juices.
Provided by threeovens
Categories Pork
Time 2h45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Cut excess fat from the pork and then cut into 2-inch cubes; place meat into an oven-safe casserole that has a lid.
- In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; pour over pork in casserole.
- Gently massage wine and seasonings into the meat and cover casserole; place in oven for about 2 1/2 hours.
- You will want to periodically check that the meat to be sure it is tenderizing and that the flavors are blending in; also, be sure that all the liquid does not evaporate (you can add additional wine or water).
- Once you can easily break the meat apart with a fork, it is done.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 562.4, Fat 35.8, SaturatedFat 12.4, Cholesterol 149.7, Sodium 286.4, Carbohydrate 7.2, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 4.4, Protein 43.2
Tips:
- Using a slow cooker is an excellent way to ensure the cacoila is cooked evenly and remains tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.
- Choose high-quality pork shoulder or pork butt for the cacoila. Look for meat that is well-marbled and has a good amount of fat content for added flavor and tenderness.
- Don't be afraid to use a generous amount of spices and seasonings in the marinade. The bold flavors will infuse the cacoila with a delicious and complex taste.
- Allow the cacoila to marinate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This will give the flavors time to penetrate the meat and develop fully.
- Sear the cacoila in a hot skillet before slow cooking. This will create a flavorful crust and help to lock in the juices.
- Add some vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or onions, to the slow cooker along with the cacoila. This will create a delicious and hearty one-pot meal.
- Serve the cacoila with a side of rice, potatoes, or bread. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion:
Slow-cooked spicy Portuguese cacoila is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a casual family meal. With its tender meat, bold spices, and easy preparation, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and indulge in the goodness of this traditional Portuguese dish!
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