Brazilian cuisine
Greek Cuisine
Brazil is a huge country, fifth in the world both in area and population, and the largest in all Latin America. As such it presents a wide variety in terms of climate, geography and ethnicity, and all this is expressed in Brazilian cuisine. The food in Brazil changes from region to region, bringing with it different ingredients, smells, colors and tastes.
In the southern parts of Brazil close to Uruguay and Argentina, where most of the cattle is grown on wide green pastures, the beef is very popular, usually prepared in the gaúchos' way i.e. slowly barbequed. There along with the red meat you can find influences of continental Europe: pastas, sausages etc.
In the south-east where big cities like São Paolo and Rio de Janeiro are located, you can find a variety of street food dishes sold on streets, beaches and markets. The Feijoada which is a slowly cooked stew based on black beans and various meats is very popular.
In north-east, where the percentage of population of African origin is significantly higher, a heavy influence of African cuisines is present. Here the dendê oil (produced from a type of palm tree imported to Brazil from Africa) is commonly used. In coastal areas various sea food are utilized (shrimps, crabs etc.).
In the northern parts of Brazil the food is influenced by the indigenous cuisine.
Since the climate in most area of Brazil is tropical or sub-tropical, the country produces a variety of exotic tropical fruit. Mango, papaya, açaí, passion fruit, jackfruit and many more can be found in the markets and stores. All these are consumed fresh or used in various dishes, ice creams and shakes.
The following four sets of recipes will introduce you to the variety of tastes Brazil has to offer. Street food party is an assortment of recipes of snacks, small dishes and drinks you can find on streets and beaches of Brazilian cities. Feijoada completa is a traditional meal based on Feijoada. Feijoada completa is usually served on Wednesdays and Saturdays in many restaurants. Bahian dinner is a set of dishes originating in Bahia. Bahia is a state in the north-eastern part of Brazil and it has very distinct and rich cooking tradition. The tastes of Bahian cuisine as well as the views of the capital Salvador provided inspiration to the books of the famous Brazilian writer Jorge Amado, who was born in Bahia. Finally Churasco meal is a set of recipes in the tradition of the gaúchos, the cowboys from the south of Brazil.