Brazilian cuisine is rich, diverse, and full of flavors that represent the blend of cultures that shaped our country. Each region brings a bit of its traditions, ingredients, and techniques, resulting in unique and irresistible dishes. Whether you’re a foodie or just starting to explore the world of cooking, this article is for you! Here are 10 Brazilian recipes that you should definitely try in 2023, along with preparation tips and variations for each dish.
1. Feijoada
Feijoada is one of Brazil’s most iconic dishes, known for its intense flavor and comfort. Traditionally, it is made with black beans and various cuts of meat, such as dried meat, sausage, and ribs. To prepare a feijoada, you will need: – 500g of black beans – 300g of dried meat – 200g of calabresa sausage – 200g of paio – 1 chopped onion – 4 chopped garlic cloves – Seasonings to taste (salt, black pepper, bay leaf)
Preparation method:
1. Cook the beans with the meat in a pressure cooker for about 30 minutes. 2. In another pan, sauté the onion and garlic until golden, add to the beans and mix. 3. Let cook on low heat for another 30 minutes. 4. Serve with white rice, sautéed kale and orange.
2. Bahian Moqueca
Bahian moqueca is a delicious option for those who love seafood. Made with fish, shrimp and palm oil, its flavor is unbeatable. The ingredients include: – 500g of fish (such as sea bass or whiting) – 200g of cleaned shrimp – 2 chopped tomatoes – 2 chopped onions – 1 chopped red pepper – 200ml of coconut milk – 50ml of palm oil
Preparation method:
1. In a pan, layer the ingredients: fish, shrimp, onion, tomato and pepper. 2. Add the coconut milk and palm oil. 3. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes. 4. Serve with rice and farofa.
3. Cheese Bread
This Minas Gerais delicacy is loved by everyone and is very easy to make! Cheese bread goes perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee. For the recipe, you will need: – 250g of sweet cassava starch – 100ml of milk – 50ml of oil – 1 egg – 100g of grated Minas cheese
Preparation method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. 2. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients until a homogeneous dough forms. 3. Shape into small balls and place on a baking sheet. 4. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Brigadier
This sweet treat is a symbol of Brazilian festivities, and who doesn't love a brigadeiro, right? To prepare it, you will need: – 1 can of condensed milk – 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder – 1 tablespoon of butter – Chocolate sprinkles to cover
Preparation method:
1. In a saucepan, mix the condensed milk, cocoa and butter. 2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes away from the bottom of the pan. 3. Let it cool, make balls and roll them in sprinkles.
5. Vatapa
A typical recipe from Bahian cuisine, vatapá is a cream made with bread and seafood. Necessary ingredients: – 200g of stale French bread – 300ml of coconut milk – 200g of dried shrimp – 1 chopped onion – 2 chopped garlic cloves – 50g of roasted peanuts – Seasonings to taste
Preparation method:
1. Soak the bread in coconut milk. 2. Sauté the onion and garlic, add the shrimp and peanuts. 3. Add the soaked bread to the mixture and cook until creamy. 4. Serve with rice or as a side dish for moqueca.
6. Acarajé
One of the most famous dishes in Afro-Brazilian cuisine, acarajé is a fried black-eyed pea dumpling stuffed with shrimp. Ingredients: – 500g black-eyed peas – 1 chopped onion – Salt to taste – Palm oil for frying – Shrimp, vatapá and salad for the filling
Preparation method:
1. Soak the beans for 12 hours and peel them. 2. Blend them with the onion until they form a paste. 3. Shape into balls and fry in hot oil. 4. Fill with shrimp and vatapá and serve warm.
7. Lemon Pie
This dessert is refreshing and perfect for hot days. The ingredients include: – 1 packet of cornstarch biscuits – 100g of butter – 1 can of condensed milk – Juice of 3 lemons – 3 egg whites beaten until stiff
Preparation method:
1. Crush the cookies and mix with the melted butter to form the base of the pie. 2. In another bowl, mix the condensed milk and lemon juice. 3. Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold into the mixture. 4. Place on the cookie base and refrigerate.
8. Seafood Risotto
Risotto is a versatile dish and can be prepared in many different ways. For a seafood risotto, you will need: – 300g of arborio rice – 200g of cleaned shrimp – 200g of squid rings – 1 chopped onion – 1 liter of fish stock – White wine (optional)
Preparation method:
1. Sauté the onion and add the rice, mixing well. 2. Gradually add the fish stock until the rice is al dente. 3. Finally, add the seafood and mix well. 4. Serve with parmesan cheese and herbs.
9. Roll Cake
This typical cake from Pernambuco is a classic on the Brazilian dessert table. Ingredients: – 500g of orange cake batter – 300g of guava paste – Icing sugar for sprinkling
Preparation method:
1. Make the cake batter and roll it out into a rectangular shape. 2. Melt the guava paste with a little water until it forms a cream. 3. Spread the guava paste over the batter and roll it up like a Swiss roll. 4. Sprinkle with sugar before serving.
10. Caldo Verde
A simple but very tasty dish, caldo verde is a typical Portuguese soup adapted to Brazilian cuisine. Ingredients: – 300g potatoes – 200g kale – 100g sausage – 1 onion – Olive oil to taste
Preparation method:
1. Cook the potatoes and onion until soft, then blend in a blender. 2. Add the finely chopped kale and sliced sausage. 3. Cook for a few more minutes and serve hot.
Conclusion
These 10 Brazilian recipes are just a sample of the rich gastronomic culture that we have in Brazil. Each dish tells a story and can be a true journey through the flavors of our country. Try them and share them with friends and family – good times in the kitchen are always welcome! And you, which recipe will you try first? Share your experiences in the comments!
