By Lindenberg Junior
Feijoada
Feijão or “Beans” is with no doubt a popular national preference on the tables of Brazilian families, especially for lunch, which is the principal meal of the day. The Feijao Mulatinho (similar to the Mexican Pinto Beans) is very popular in the states of Central Brazil, the North as well as the Northeast of the country. The Feijao Preto, (Black Beans) is a traditional favorite in the states of the Southeast and the South. The secret to delicious beans is seasoning with laurel leaves, cumin and vegetables or bacon broth and cooking in medium/slow heat.
Arroz (Rice) is the loyal partner of the beans on the plate of almost every Brazilian. There are even some jokes and sayings about this flavor combination such as, two good friends that are always together, “Parece feijao e arroz” or “They are like beans and rice”. In most of the country, the rice is made simply with water and salt as steamed rice, but it also can be prepared in a richer variation with the inclusion of other ingredients such my favorite version: rice with sautee garlic and broccolis. After ready to eat, give an extra “sabor & color”, putting grated cashews over it.
Farofa (Seasoned Cassava Flour) is a traditional staple on every Brazilian table for lunch and dinner meals and enjoyed throughout Brazil as an everyday accompaniment. It is an especially tasty accompaniment for meats cooked on the traditional “Churrasco” (BBQ barbeque) and for the traditional “Feijoada” (Bean Casserole). The principal ingredient – “farinha”, is prepared from the root of the cassava plant. Cassava has been eaten by indigenous peoples for centuries predating the eventual discovery and colonization of Brazil by the Portuguese.
Pão de Queijo
Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) is a national tradition in the “Lanchonetes”, (Brazilian fast food restaurants) and “Botecos”, (Brazilian unique name for no frills/rustic bars). It is a small cheese bread ball with a soft center, served hot or at least warm and much enjoyed with beer, wine or coffee. Check the special easy recipe we included for you below!
Brigadeiro (Homemade Chocolate Balls) are traditionally prepared for children’s birthday parties and for many other different national celebrations. It is a “star” among chocolate lovers everywhere and of all ages in Brazil. If you are a chocolate lover, check the easy recipe bellow and be prepared to say “yummy”.
Below, you will find two easy recipes to prepare a delicious Pão de Queijo and Brigadeiro:
“Easy” Pão de Queijo
40 Min. – 6 People
• 2 cans of nestle sweet cream
• 250g grated parmesan cheese
• 250g grated mozzarella cheese
• 500g of cassava starch
• Salt to taste
How to Prepare
In a bowl mix together the cream, the cassava starch, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese and the salt. Knead well until the dough easily releases from your hands. Use your hands again to make small bread balls. In a pan greased with butter put the balls in a preheated oven at 200 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Buy the beer or the coffee!
Brigadeiro
Brigadeiro 123…
20 Min. – 6 People
Ingredients for Sweet
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can of milk
• 3 tbsp (tablespoons) powdered chocolate.
• 2 tbsp (tablespoons) cocoa powder.
• 1 tbsp (tablespoons) butter
Ingredients for Decorating
• Granulate Sprinkles Chocolate
Preparation
Take a baking sheet and spread butter on the surface and leave aside. Heat all the ingredients and stir until the mixture loosens from the pan. Let cool and make brigadeiros balls with using your own hands and go after putting them in the buttered pan. The final step is to garnish the chocolate sprinkles around all the brigadeiros. Ready to eat! Have kids? They will love it!
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