Portuguese Beef Cheeks and Polenta

During my visit to Aveiro in Portugal a few years ago, I had the pleasure of tasting the most delectable beef cheeks I have ever had! The unforgettable taste of that dish stayed with me, and I have always had the desire to replicate it. Therefore, I present to you my version of Portuguese beef cheeks served on a bed of creamy polenta.

Rancho à Portuguesa

Rancho is a dish typical of Portuguese cuisine and originates from the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province where “Trás-os-Montes” translates to “behind the mountains”. It is casserole-type of dish consisting mainly of beef, bacon, chorizo, garlic, chickpeas and pasta, although there are many variations on this. Rancho is a rich, hearty dish and should be enjoyed on cold, winter’s days with a good wine.