Coxinha, what is it?

coxinhaThere is perhaps no Brazilian street food more delicious and well-known than the world-wide famous coxinha.  The coxinha is traditionally formed to resemble its main ingredient: chicken.  The golden, crunchy outside of the coxinha surrounds a layer of soft dough filled with moist shredded chicken, tomato, onions, parsley, scallions, and sometimes different cheeses.  The doughy pocket is closed off and deep-fried, creating a crispy, mouth-watering snack that can easily be eaten in three or four bites.  In Brazil, everyone has their own way of eating a coxinha.  Some people prefer to eat coxinha at breakfast.  For others, it is strictly a lunch or dinner snack.  Others won’t eat a coxinha without some red-hot pepper sauce on the side to dip each bite.

Pão de queijo

PãoPão de Queijo.  The words may not mean very much to someone who lives outside Brazil, but to natives of Brazil, the words may as well mean “heaven on a plate”.  This delicious cheese bread is a popular Brazilian breakfast food or snack that is widely sold at coffee shops, snack bars, and bakeries in Brazil.  Pão de Queijo (also called Chipá or Cuñapé) has a long history in Brazil and is one of the most common (and most decadent) accompaniments that you’ll find at restaurants in their country.  Luckily, Pão de Queijo has made its way into the surrounding continents of Europe and the United States and is becoming more and more readily available to hungry fans of Brazilian cooking.

Feijoada – Brazil’s National Treasure

feijoadaFeijoada, a savoury black bean and meat stew, is the most delicious of Brazil’s national treasures. This famous Brazilian combination of beans and rice with pork pieces has been a served up in Brazil since before the 16th century. This delicious meal is made so often and with such enjoyment that it is widely accepted as Brazil’s national dish. This rice, beans, and pork dish is both a comfort food and a good, nutritious and filling meal whether you’re having a huge crowd to dinner or just an intimate night for two.