Gastronomy
This territory, influenced by rivers and with very fertile agricultural land, favors an ideal combination of products and recipes.
Among the most traditional dishes, we highlight the torricado with cod, the wild meet stew, the sweet rice pudding and, of course, all the dishes made with Carolino Rice from Lezírias Ribatejanas, which gives its name to a festival that has already established itself as a trademark of this region.
In Benavente, the plains, proximity to rivers and running water have favoured rice cultivation for centuries.
Carolino Rice from Lezírias Ribatejanas is a genuinely Portuguese variety, cultivated in the Tejo River estuary, where the combination of factors such as soil, temperature, number of sunlight hours and water give rise to its uniqueness.
It gives excellent results in the preparation of various dishes, whether they are main or side dishes. The use of Carolino Rice from Lezírias Ribatejanas in traditional Portuguese cuisine has a long history and, today, when we talk about contemporary cuisine, Carolino Rice from Lezírias Ribatejanas takes on a special importance, due to its versatility in the creation of new dishes.
Accept the challenge and come along to the participating restaurants to try out the different ways and recipes that can be made with this gastronomic treasure.
CLICK ON THE IMAGES AND SEE THE RECIPES
The Lezírias Ribatejanas Carolino Rice Appreciation Project has its greatest expression in the Lezírias Ribatejanas Carolino Rice Festival, which takes place on the third weekend of May. This gastronomic event has established itself as a brand, contributing to the appreciation and attractiveness of the Municipality of Benavente.
By purchasing a “tasting KIT”, visitors will be able to taste Carolino Rice from Lezírias Ribatejanas, at the Rice Stalls, a distinctive concept of this Festival which presents Carolino Rice in a festival style, from the most traditional dishes to more contemporary interpretations.
The cultural program features a strong line-up of music from the national scene.
Companhia das Lezírias
Created in 1836, it is the largest agricultural and forestry holding in Portugal, with exclusively public capital. It covers around eighteen thousand hectares where the diversity of agroforestry activities is combined with an enormous wealth of animals, plants and habitats and a landscape that combines cork oak forests, pine forests and the wetlands of the Tagus estuary.
The agricultural sector includes activities such as vineyards, rice, olive groves, biodiverse meadows and cattle and equine production. The forestry sector includes the management of cork oak forests, pine forests, eucalyptus and other species, always keeping in mind the principles of sustainability and biodiversity. Companhia das Lezírias offers a range of unique experiences, from visits to accommodation, not forgetting the oenology programs available at Herdade de Catapereiro.
The quality and excellent flavor of Companhia das Lezírias olive oil has been well received abroad, so much so that its main destination is export, with Brazil being the most interested country.
With the expansion of the market, China, India and Germany are beginning to have some significance in this context.
In Portugal, it is sold in a large distribution chain and in the Company’s stores.
The wines of Companhia das Lezírias – Herdade de Catapereiro, Tyto Alba, 1836 and Senhora Companhia – reflect its history, terroir and harmony with nature.
With a unique character, the wines that make up the different ranges are expressions of art that result from the continuous work of a team committed to finding and enhancing the factors that make them so special.
In Santo Estêvão, in a meticulous process that unfolds from harvest to bottling, combining skill and passion, A MA+RU+FA wines are born.
Planted since 2009, the 8-hectare vineyard benefits from unique conditions that provide a terroir with truly exceptional characteristics.
