Eating Out In Brazil!

 

The cuisine of a nation is determined largely by the societies, customs and traditions within that culture as well as by accessibility and availability to certain foods and ingredients. Because Brazil is such a melting pot of colours, languages and customs, its cuisine is similarly varied. In addition, the various types of dishes and ingredients used depend on the geographical location within Brazil.

 

Appetizers: Appetisers refer to the starters of a meal. However, in Brazil, they also refer to the food commonly available from street vendors. Popular Brazilian appetisers include:

 

• Acarajé - fried balls of shrimp, black-eyed peas and onions.
• Bolinhos do Arroz – deep-friend balls made from a rice-based batter.
• Empadinhas de Palmito – a bread or pastry stuffed with palm hearts.
• Coxinha – chicken croquettes.

 

Main Courses:  Main courses are varied, filling and very tasty. They may include the likes of:

 

• Feijoada – black bean stew with smoked meats. This is a time-consuming dish and generally served to friends and family that are staying overnight.
• Vatapá – a shrimp and cashew nut dish.
• Pastel de Acelgas - swiss chard and chorizo sausage tart.
• Moqueca de Peixe – a fish stew with plenty of coconut flavouring.
• Cururu de Camarao – a gumbo (stew or soup) made from shrimp and okra.
• Pizza – the Brazilians have adopted pizza as one of their own unique foods, using a variety of toppings to enhance its flavour.
• Chancaca - Glazed salmon with pineapple salsa.

 

Desserts: With the variety of fruit available in Brazil, the desserts are truly delicious. Some of these are:

 

• Banana Frusta Com Canella Angular - fried banana with cinnamon sugar.
• Bolo de Minho Carioca - Carioca cornflakes.
• Crème de Papaya - cream of papaya (made with ice cream).
• Passion fruit mousse cake
• Quindin – mini coconut flans.