Brazilian Cuisine (as submitted to Planetary Magazine)

Submitted by Luciana Pimentel on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 at 11:04:51 AM EST.

Brazil can be divided into regions each presenting typical eating habits which exemplify their different tastes.

The North

The cuisine of this region is greatly influenced by the Indian culture. One popular dish is Caruru.

The Northeast

Within the state of Bahia the predominant cuisine is afro-bahian, which evolved from plantation cooks improvising on African, Indian, and traditional Portuguese dishes. Using locally available ingredients, people have created various dishes. In the coastal plains there is less African influence on the food; but seafood, shellfish, and tropical fruits are always present in the menu.

Central West

Fish from the important rivers, and beef and pork from the west ranches of the region, dominate the menu along with the produce from agricultural crops, soybean rice, corn and “mandioca”.

Southeast

In Minas Gerais regional dishes include a lot of corn, pork, beans, and local soft ripened cheeses. Around Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo a simmered bean and meat dish of Bahian origin, feijoada completa, is popular and is served in restaurants especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Traditionally, black beans are prepared in Rio de Janeiro, red or blond beans in São Paulo , and either black or red in Minas Gerais.

South
To national cuisine, the gaúcho, or cowboy, contributed dishes made with sun or salt dried meats and churrasco, a meal of wood fire grilled fresh meats.

Our Typical Dish

Feijoada is the Brazilian dish which was invented by the slaves. They started mixing their master’s pork leftovers to the black beans that were used to feed the animals. Rich black beans are cooked with more naturally smoked meat than a normal person could possibly imagine. Feijoada is served with rice and a huge array of wonderful sausages.

Our Opinion

We think Brazilian cuisine is very different. Depending on the region, there is a lot of influence from other countries. Besides, Brazilian cuisine represents a part of our culture and is very attractive to the tourists. The different dishes we have are a part of our history.

Julia Caminha
Bruna Faller
Ana Carolina
Juliana Fragoso
Class:82

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