If you’ve ever travelled through northern Portugal in winter, you’ll know the kind of food that warms you from the inside out. Rancho à Portuguesa is one of those dishes — rustic, rich, and deeply comforting.

Originating from the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region — literally “behind the mountains” — this traditional casserole brings together slow-cooked meats, chouriço, chickpeas, and pasta in a smoky paprika sauce. It’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends on a chilly day, ideally with a hearty red wine and a crusty loaf of bread.

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This is a creamy and wholesome Italian dish which is very easy and quick to prepare. The dish is said to originate from western Sicily in the 19th century with English families, where Marsala wine is produced. A heavy French influence is also suspected together with American influence in the modern version. This will probably explain why Chicken Marsala is more popular in the Unites States than Italy these days. See this article.

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