Migas Alentejanas
Migas Alentejanas is a rustic and comforting Portuguese dish originating from the Alentejo region, featuring fried breadcrumbs and succulent pork. It's a classic example of making the most of simple ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Day-old crusty bread (like Portuguese broa or a rustic white loaf)(Stale bread is essential for texture. Cut into 1-inch cubes or tear into rustic pieces.)
- 400 g Pork belly or boneless pork ribs(Pork belly will render more fat for frying, while ribs offer a slightly different texture. Cut into 1-inch cubes.)
- 4-6 cloves Garlic(Adjust to your preference. Thinly sliced.)
- 100 ml Good quality olive oil(More may be needed depending on the fat rendered by the pork.)
- approx. 1 cup (240ml) Water(For moistening the bread. Amount may vary.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- a handful Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)(Chopped, for garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pork: Season the pork cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Heat about half of the olive oil (50ml) in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear the pork until deeply golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the crispy pork from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Prepare the bread: While the pork is cooking, place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Gradually add water, tossing gently with your hands, until the bread is moistened but not soggy. It should feel damp and slightly sticky. Squeeze out any excess water.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Sauté aromatics and bread: Add the remaining olive oil (50ml) to the pork fat in the skillet, if needed, to ensure there's enough fat to coat the bread. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Add the moistened breadcrumbs to the skillet. Stir and toss the breadcrumbs constantly with the garlic and pork fat, breaking them up further as they cook.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 4
Toast the breadcrumbs: Continue to cook the breadcrumbs, stirring frequently, until they are toasted, slightly crispy, and have absorbed the flavors from the fat and garlic. This process should take about 10-12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 5
Combine and serve: Return the crispy pork to the skillet with the toasted breadcrumbs. Toss gently to combine and heat through for about 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of the bread is key; use a crusty, day-old loaf for the best texture.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the pork; this ensures it gets crispy rather than steaming.
- ✓Stir the breadcrumbs constantly while frying to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
- ✓Taste and adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) throughout the cooking process.
- ✓The rendered pork fat is crucial for flavor, but you can supplement with olive oil if your pork is lean.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add blanched asparagus spears during the last few minutes of toasting the breadcrumbs.
- Substitute shredded salt cod (bacalhau) for the pork, rehydrated and flaked. Fry the cod briefly before adding to the breadcrumbs.
- Incorporate sautéed onions or bell peppers with the garlic.