Brazilian cuisine comprises of a variety of flavors depending on the region of Brazil from which the dish hails. A plethora of herbs, spices, grains and fruits and vegetables mingle together in a fusion of different traditional favorites. Traditional Brazilian food is influenced by other cultures as well, such as American, Polynesian, Spanish, Italian and even Asian.
Barreado
Barreado is prepared in ceramic pots.
A traditional dish in the state of Parana, barreado is comprised of pulled beef that has been slowly simmered in a ceramic or porcelain pan. Making barreado at home requires patience, because the slow simmering is what gives the meat its texture. Seasonings in barreado include cumin, oregano and chiero verde, which is a green peppery essence. Vegetables such as onions, celery and tomatoes are added to the simmering beef. It's served with hominy or rice and a fresh fry bread tortilla.
Polenta
Polenta accents many Brazilian or South American fusion dish.
Essentially boiled cornmeal, polenta is a common accompaniment to a variety of Brazilian dishes, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner. It can be prepared as a mush, much like cream farina, or it can be boiled and then fried into cornmeal cakes. Traditionally, polenta is eaten in Brazil with anchovies or herring, seasoned with much pepper. It is a warm, filling addition to a budget-friendly meal.
Moqueca
A variation of Brazilian moqueca
A traditional stew, moqueca includes a variety of Brazilian flavors. Fish, garlic, cilantro, boiled eggs and a melting pot of other ingredients mingle together in this Brazilian classic, creating a filling and delicious one-pot meal.
Pastels
Pastels are the Brazilian version of a fritter.
A versatile Brazilian food, pastels can be either sweet or savory in flavor. Pastels can contain meats, cheeses, onions, cilantro, fish, tomatoes and a variety of other common South American seasonings. Sometimes, they contain sweet ingredients such as cream cheese and Brazilian fruit compotes. Sweet fillings include papaya, guava banana and chocolate.
Tags: Brazilian food, mingle together, South American, variety Brazilian
