A Taste of Brazil – 3 Simple Recipes

June 13, 2014

As we enter the start of the 2014 World Cup, what better way to get in the party mood than with a bit of Brazilian food and drink. We’ve selected our three favourite recipes from across the web, which you try your hand at. Enjoy!

A Classic Caipirinha

The Caipirinha is a classic in Brazil and has taken the world of the world by storm, becoming a firm favourite amongst many Mojito lovers.

The spirit base is Cachaça, which is a cane sugar based spirit and very similar in taste to white rum.

Jamie Oliver describes it as ‘summer in a glass’ and who are we to argue with Jamie! His Caipirinha recipe is as follows (serves 4):

Caipirinha Recipe What you’ll need:

6 tbsps golden caster sugar
1cm fresh ginger (grated)
3 limes
350ml Cachaça
Fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes

What to do:
1) Cut the limes into wedges and squeeze the juice into a jug (throwing the wedges in after).
2) Add the ginger and sugar to the juice, mix together using a wooden spoon.
3) Fill the jug about half way with crushed ice and give it another stir.
4) Pour in the Cachaça and stir again – give it a taste and add more sugar/lime if needed.
5) Add in a bit more crushed ice plus the mint leaves.
6) Pour into tumblers, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Pao de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)

Another classic from Brazil, these little cheese breads are gluten free and are great as a starter or just for a snack during the game. You can dip them in sauce or garlic butter and you’ll be addicted within no time.

The specific Pao de Queijo recipe we selected was by Glojao at AllRecipes.com, due to it’s sheer simplicity (serves 6).

Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe What you’ll need:

½ cup of melted butter or olive oil
1/3 cup of milk
1/3 cup of water
2 cups of tapioca flour
2/3 cup of grated Parmesan
2 eggs (beaten)
2 tsps crushed garlic
A pinch of salt

What to do:
1) Preheat your over to 190 degrees C (375 degrees F)
2) Pour the butter (or olive oil), milk and water into a saucepan and heat over a high heat. Add a pinch of salt and as soon as the mixture boils, remove it from the heat.
3) Stir in the tapioca flour and then add the garlic. Mix until smooth and then leave to rest for 15 mins.
4) Stir the beaten eggs and Parmesan into the mixture until it has the consistency of cottage cheese.
5) Create little balls of the mixture and place onto grease-proof paper before putting in the oven.
6) Cook in the oven for around 15 minutes until lightly browned.
7) Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly for a couple of minutes before serving

Brazilian Beef Steaks

This recipe from Cooks.com is perfect for the BBQ (if the weather holds out) and will give your guest a taste of Brazil (serves 4).

Brazilian Beef Steaks Recipe What you’ll need:

4 Beef minute steaks
2 sliced onions
2 sliced tomatoes
2 sliced green/yellow peppers
2 cloves of crushed garlic
2 tbsps balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
A pinch of salt and pepper

What to do:
1) The night before the BBQ, layer the beef and slices of the peppers, onions and tomatoes in a casserole dish.
2) Add in the vinegar and a dash of olive oil, together with the garlic.
3) Cover and place in the fridge overnight to marinate.
4) When you’re ready to cook, take out the beef and cook directly on the BBQ.
5) Meanwhile, use the marinade (oil and vinegar mix) to sauté the vegetables in a pan over a medium heat – don’t cook them for too long as you still want them to have some bit
6) When the steaks are ready, take off the BBQ and place each on to separate plates, together with a helping of the veg.
7) Serve with salad or some plain rice

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