Untamed... Exotic... Vibrant...
These are just a few of the words used to describe Brazil. From its
lush Amazon rainfores to its thriving cities, Brazil is a country
teeming with life. And well worth a visit.
Brazil is the largest country in South America- and is roughly the size
of the continental United States. While the language spoken there is
Portuguese, its rich culture has been influenced by Portugal, Africa,
Europe, East Asia and its own indigenous Indian people.
The country has five basic regions, each with its own distinct
geographic and cultural variations. The Northeast has the greatest
percentage of people of African descent. The South and Southeast are
home to the majority of Brazilians of European and Japanese ancestry,
while indigenous peoples live mostly in the North and Central-West.
But no matter where you go in Brazil - the sun-washed coasts, tropical
rainforests, bustling cities or wide open plains- you'll find fabulous
food.
With so many cultural influences, Brazilian cuisine ranges from the
simple to the sophisticated, and blends flavors from all over.
Feijoada is considered Brazil's national dish. It's a stew with black
beans and smoked and sun-dried meats, especially pork and smoked
sausages. It's served with traditional side dishes such as orange
slices, shredded kale, rice, cassava meal browned in butter, and a hot
pepper and lemon sauce.
If you can't make it to Brazil this year, you can bring a taste of
Brazil home any time. Here are some typical Brazilian ingredients you
can use to liven up your meals: Meats: Brazilian sausages, different cuts of beef, pork
tenderloin, chicken thighs and drumsticks. Brazilian sausage may be
hard to find, so you can use chorizo or other spicy pork sausages. Tropical Fruits: Avocado, banana, coconut, guava, lime, passion fruit, pineapple Seasonings: Chili pepper, cilantro, palm oil, sweat pepper Sides: Beans, cassava fresh fruits, rice
For your next party, start off with cod fritters as appetizers, then
serve up some King Prawn and Coconut Stew over rice. Finish things off
with fried bananas with cinnamon sugar or a Cachaca and Lime Parfait.
You and your guests will feel like you've truly had a taste of Brazil.
