I'm going to mention some foods that were new to me or that I rarely ate back home, and talk about some basic and significant foods here in Minas.
Arroz & Feijões [Rice & Beans] -Like any good Central/South American country, rice and beans is where it's at! Ha. These two foods are staples here in Brazil and served daily, all the time. The rice is regular white rice, but the bean type is different. Here in Minas Gerais, pinto beans are served. The type of bean that is served varies by region. For example, black beans are more common in Rio de Janeiro. Also, the beans are cooked in a kind of sauce from the bean itself (reminds me of refried beans).
Churrasco [Brazilian BBQ] -Brazilians are known for cooking up some tasty meats and this holds especially true for their barbecues. These meals are different from American barbecues, but do involve the essentials: a grill of some type, meat, bread, soda/beer. However, churrascos are more than just a meal. They are a social activity where people are standing around, conversing, picking bits of grilled meat and pieces of bread off from a plate, and enjoying one another's company. There are not really any sauces of a particular kind involved with these barbecues.
Açaí -a delicious, refreshing, fruit smoothie that is extremely popular. A great way to cool off on a hot day. It can be served puro (pure), or with a combination of different toppings and fruits. A favorite combination of the locals, is to order açaí with leite condensado (condensed milk) and leite em po (milk powder).
Brazilian Snack Foods can be categorized as:
Salgados
- Coxinha,
- Empada,
- Pastel,
- Kibi,
- Esfiha,
- Enrelado,
- Cigarette
Lanches
- Hamburgers - interesting about the hamburgers, is that they can be served with pieces of corn and slivers of potato chips on the sandwich. Taste good!
- Pizza - Brazilian pizza has no tomato sauce! I don't know how they have missed this crucial, fundamental ingredient. I guess to compensate for this, ketchup (and maionasse) is served alongside. Pizza with broccoli is a popular choice. Mozzarella cheese, broccoli pieces, bacon
- Panqueqas - a kind of crepe-like creation that is rolled and filled with a number of tasty ingredients. meat, cheese, corn, batata palha, peas, cheese and sauce on top
- Batatas Recheadas (Baked Potatoes) - topped and stuffed. Similar to the Spuds from McAlister's Deli restaurant back home.
So as you can see above, what Brazilian's consider as a snack, some Americans would consider a meal. Therefore Brazilians find it funny that Americans eat pizza or just a sandwich for lunch and consider it a meal.
A restaurant in town that specializes in Salgados and other snacks, is Cesarburg. They have a steady stream of customers throughout the day. When they get busy, it's pretty cool to sit-back and watch how fast they get the orders ready to go!
In addition, here is a link to Brazilian snacks (what American's idea of a snack is).
Fruits
Produce is big here in Brazil. There are a wide varity of products to choose from when one visits the grocery store. I have been enjoying the apples, pears, mangos, and kiwis especially. Bananas come in a number of different types. I am accustomed the "standard" size back home, but here I eat minis. The smaller bananas have a different flavor as well.
Maracuja (passion fruit) is popular for making juice with. My roommate Toninho loves it.
Vegetables
I like making a salad at restaurants I go to because of the nice selection of vegetables available. Carrots and beets are pretty big here, and sometime served together, side-by-side. I can't tell you the first or last time I ate a beet in the United Staes, but here I have eaten plenty- they're good!
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