Foods are some of the most interesting things about different cultures. Even though I believe that in many ways Brazilian food is very similar to the food of my home country, the Dominican Republic, some very popular foods here I had never tried before. My mom sent me a link to a list of 7 foods to try in Brazil. Here they go with my opinion, and for one special one, with the very simple recipe!
- Coxinha
A fried ball made out of wheat flour with pulled chicken inside. Really good!!!!
- Açaí
A fruit that is usually sold not like the fruit itself, but made into kind of a smoothie and is usually served in a bowl with fruit and granola. I’m not 100% sure, but I believe Whole Foods sells açaí. Best one I’ve had so far was with granola, banana, and brigadeiro that you will soon know how to make.
- Acarajé
Fried dough ball made out of beans that they open in half and then fill with many things inside. Mine had caruru, vatapá, salada, camarão. I liked it, but not too much.
- Pão de queijo
Self explanatory, cheese bread. However, it has its own uniqueness, its like the dough and cheese mixed together, but you can taste both individually, kind of.
- Pastel
An empanada with another name, even though they say empanada is something else! Really good!
- Tapioca
Sort of a pancake made out of cassava, not really, but I guess that would be the easiest thing to compare it too. You can make it sweet by pouring some condensed milk, and put some chocolate, banana, and many other things to choose from. They also have salty ones with ham, cheese, meat, and a bunch of other things! Best one, brigadeiro and banana!
Finally…
- Brigadeiro
A piece of heaven, a little ball of chocolate. Super easy to make! Pour into a pot: 1 spoon of butter, 1 can of condensed milk, and as much powder chocolate as you like, enough so that the mix is darker than lighter. Place on the stove and mix until you start to see the bottom of the pot. Never stop mixing it while on the stove!! When ready, let cool completely. Then make little balls with about a spoonful of the mix. After, roll them on chocolate sprinkles! I like to keep them in the fridge but you can also leave it out.