With only four days until the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil (both its triumphs and its struggles) are on the international mainstage.
And the country's food is getting some of the worldwide attention it deserves, too. Because along with the 10,500 athletes competing in the games, there's expected to be an estimated 350,000 to 500,000 tourists visiting the city—and that adds up to a whole lot of people to feed (and they'll need more than yogurt, eggs, and oatmeal).
We're grateful that the Olympics will shed light on Brazilian food, a gigantic category—the country is just slightly smaller than the U.S., with over 205 million people and 26 states—with roots in the food traditions and ingredients of indigenous peoples, Africans, and Europeans. Because there's a lot we're excited to learn about it, too!
Below, you'll find a few Brazilian recipes you can make at home while watching the Games—and that you'll want to return to even after the athletes have collected their medals. (The selection is limited, but a good starting place.) And, beneath that, some Brazilian-inspired recipes, made with ingredients popular in the country, like cassava, mango, coconut, coffee, chocolate, beef, beans, and peanuts.
Let the pão de queijo begin!
Not 100% Brazilian, but good for getting in the spirit:
Empanadas are not Brazilian—they're Argentinian—but they remind us of Brazilian pastéis, small half-moon or rectangular pies filled with savory (or sweet) fillings (like ground meat) and fried.
Which must-try Brazilian foods didn't make it on this list? Tell us in the comments!
Written by: Sarah Jampel
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10 Comments
1) How about doing some RESEARCH before bringing that article online?
2) Empanadas, Really? They`re from Argentina. By the way Argentina is not in Brazil. Check the map...
2) Chocolate on steak? Really? Maybe in Mexico, not here. Our CHURRASCO (barbecue) is all about MEAT. There`s no rubbing, no other seasoning except salt. Our cowboys are no Brokeback Mountain style! They had no time and no resources other than salt and excellent meat. High protein and no fuss!
3) RUM? Really? Its from central america but ok if you can`t find cachaça. The difference is mostly about aging in wood barrels, or not.
4) SALMON moqueca?? Really?? C`mon... Salmon is nowhere to be found in Brazilian nature. Great replacements: red snapper and Mahi-mahi. I`ve tried both and works great. It can be done with any seafood by the way. S-E-A.
5) Brownies? Really?? no coments
6) those dark chocolate balls may be delicious and healthy but are not typical brazilian food. it`s not like you find them anywhere here.
7) Don`t try to do bolo-de-rolo at home if you`re not very skilled, cos it`s tricky and takes a lot of time.
8) Brazilian typical cuisine is not a simple one... originally, there were slaves to cook. Now if one is to live exclusively on brazilian typical dishes, expect to do nothin but cook from dawn to sunset. Each dish have lots of sides, tricks, ingredients. Except for barbecue. Cos in the south there were not so many slaves.
Saying empanadas are brazilian is just plain hurtful.
Caipirinha with a twist since berries are not from here! But you can make a mean tangerine and hot pepper one!
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