The popular cooking show 'Desafio dos Chefs' recently aired its fifth episode of season two, showcasing two traditional dishes from Portugal and Brazil. The episode, which aired on November 2, 2026, at 17:28, highlighted the culinary traditions of two locations named Resende. The show featured chefs Richie, Júlio, Marlene Cruz, and António, who prepared a Brazilian feijoada and a Portuguese anho assado, respectively.
The Brazilian Resende, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, was originally known as Campo Alegre before being renamed Vila de Resende in 1801 in honor of the Conde de Resende, the then-vice-rei of Brazil. In contrast, the Portuguese Resende, situated in the Douro region, has a history dating back to the 12th century when D. Afonso Henriques granted the title to Egas Moniz. The Portuguese town is also known for the Torre da Lagariça, which is referenced in Eça de Queirós' novel 'A Ilustre Casa de Ramires'.
The Brazilian feijoada, prepared by chef Richie and Marlene Cruz, consisted of black beans, calabresa, bacon, paio, costelinha, smoked panceta, pernil, and dried beef. The dish's secret lay in the refogado, where the meats gained flavor before the addition of beans, laurel, and water. Chef Richie emphasized the importance of tasting the preparation before adding salt, as the smoked meats and sausages already contributed to the seasoning.
The Portuguese anho assado, prepared by chefs Júlio and António, was a traditional recipe associated with family gatherings and celebrations. The dish consisted of meat marinated in a mixture of garlic, laurel, salt, pepper, white wine, olive oil, lard, and herbs, before being roasted in the oven with potatoes and onions. During preparation, chef António shared his culinary experience and presented a reinvented version of the pastel de feijão.
The episode also explored the connection between Portuguese, Brazilian, and Angolan cuisine, with Marlene Cruz highlighting the use of dried beef in various dishes, including the calulu. The show demonstrated how traditional recipes and the exchange of experiences can bring cultures together through gastronomy. The chefs praised the dishes, emphasizing the value of tradition and cultural exchange.
The 'Desafio dos Chefs' program is supported by several sponsors, including Makro, Sala 13, GOLD Decoration, Infiniton, and Paço Print. The show airs every Saturday at 20:30 Lisbon time.
The episode's focus on traditional cuisine and cultural exchange highlighted the rich culinary heritage of both Portugal and Brazil. By sharing their expertise and experiences, the chefs demonstrated the power of food to unite people across cultures and borders.
Key points
- The 'Desafio dos Chefs' TV show features traditional Portuguese and Brazilian recipes.
- The episode highlighted the cultural significance of Resende in both Portugal and Brazil.
- The show demonstrated the connection between Portuguese, Brazilian, and Angolan cuisine.
