Brazilian Game Day Bites

We are still reeling from last night's down-to-the-wire play and subsequent tie score (USAvPOR, 2-2)! Inspired by the FIFA World Cup, our intern, Tayler, has provided us with three delicious hand-held bites that offer a sampling of Brazilian cuisine. Here’s Tayler on how to make them:

The World Cup is an immensely diverse sporting competition that encourages viewers to learn about cultures that are generally unfamiliar or different from their own. The best way to do that is, of course, through food! Brazil is this year’s host country of the World Cup and the buzz is on them as many people are getting the opportunity to learn traditions and customs about this unique country, and you can too. Foodies and sports fanatics alike, get cultured this Thursday while watching USA vs. Germany and bite down on some seriously savory and sweet Brazilian treats that are perfect for game day!

Cheese Pastel  

1 pack Goya frozen dough discs

1 pound mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
Canola oil

1. Defrost dough. Once defrosted, coat dough lightly in flour.

2. Place mozzarella in one half of the inside of the dough. Fold dough over like a half moon and close tightly with fingers. Then, press down the edges to seal the dough.
3. Fill a deep pan with canola oil halfway and heat until it bubbles lightly.

4. Fry pastels on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Note: Brazilian pastels can contain a variety of other fillings, including minced meat, chicken, or shrimp.

Coxinhas (co - shin - yas)

1 cooked rotisserie chicken, cut into strips or cubes

4-5 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 onion, diced
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup flour
1 cup breadcrumbs
Salt
Pepper
1/4 tsp. paprika
6 black olives, diced


1. Boil potatoes in pot of salted water on high heat (about 30 minutes or until soft). Drain water and mash potatoes in a ricer.
2. Fry the diced onions in a pan with oil until light brown. Add salt, pepper, paprika and olives. Pour onion mix on the mashed potatoes and combine the two.

3. Get a spoonful of the mashed potato and place a bit of chicken inside the spoonful. Close up into a crescent-like shape (as large as desired).
4. Dip in flour, egg and breadcrumb, and then fry until golden brown.

5. Serve warm or room temperature.

Note: Coxinha translates to "little chicken thigh," which is why they are commonly molded into a shape that resembles the leg of a chicken.

Brigadeiros (bri - ga - der - oos)

1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
Chocolate sprinkles
1 pack of mini cupcake cups (optional)

1. Melt contents of condensed milk, butter and cocoa on low to medium flame. Stir constantly until mixture thickens; approximately 25 minutes.
2. Let cool and place in fridge overnight.
3. Roll a spoonful of the cold, hardened mixture into a ball, then roll the balls on to a plate full of sprinkles.
4. Once fully coated, place the balls into mini cupcake cups for decoration and serve.

Note: Brigadeiros are a popular dessert at birthday parties. They are commonly served cold or room temperature when eaten by hand, however you can serve them warm and eat them with a spoon if desired.

If you'd like to discover more about Brazilian culture, check out our post on our Language & Travel blog on how to learn Brazilian Portuguese!