Ragù is an Italian meat-based sauce normally served with pasta. For the meat, I chose duck breasts and as for the pasta, I decided on pappardelle which is a large, very broad and flat pasta. The “ruggedness” of the pappardelle goes very well with the peasant-style ragù. To spruce things up a bit, I added aubergine and fava (broad) beans.

(more…)

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.

(more…)