Brazilian pastels are a beloved dish in Brazil, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. These crispy, deep-fried pockets of dough are filled with a variety of savory ingredients, such as cheese, meat, or vegetables. They are a staple in Brazilian cuisine and can be found in street markets, restaurants, and homes all over the country. While the traditional recipe for Brazilian pastels can seem daunting, with a little practice and the right ingredients, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home.
Feijoada is a classic Brazilian dish that originated in the country's colonial era. It is a hearty and flavorful black bean stew that is traditionally prepared with various cuts of pork and served with rice, collard greens, and farofa (toasted cassava flour). This dish is perfect for beer can chicken as the smoky flavors from the grill complement the rich flavors of the stew. Here's how you can make your own Brazilian Feijoada at home.
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Pastels (Fried Fish Pies)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Egg, Canola Oil, Garlic, Yellow Onion, Scotch
Pastels are a popular Brazilian street food that can be found in every corner of the country. These fried fish pies are made with a crispy dough filled with a savory fish and vegetable filling. They are perfect as a snack or appetizer and can be enjoyed alongside your beer can chicken. The combination of the crispy pastry and tender chicken is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.
Warm and comforting, Brazilian shrimp soup (known as caldo de camarão) is a must-try for seafood lovers. This flavorful soup is made with a rich tomato and coconut milk broth, loaded with shrimp, and served with rice. It's a delicious and unique dish to add to your beer can chicken menu.
Brazilian cuisine is known for its succulent and flavorful meats, and this garlic butter Brazilian steak is no exception. The juicy and tender steak is marinated in a garlic and herb butter sauce, grilled to perfection, and served with a side of chimichurri sauce. It's a perfect pairing for your beer can chicken and will surely impress your guests.
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Brazilian Shrimp Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic, Rice, Red Pepper
Also known as limonada suíça, Brazilian lemonade is a refreshing and unique twist on the classic lemonade. It's made with limes instead of lemons and sweetened condensed milk, giving it a creamy and tangy flavor. This drink is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken on a hot summer day.
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Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
Main Ingredients: Skirt Steak, Pepper, Salt, Minced Garlic, Chopped
Brazilian cheese bread, also known as pão de queijo, is a popular snack in Brazil. These soft and cheesy bread rolls are made with tapioca flour, giving them a unique texture and flavor. They are perfect for dunking into your beer can chicken juices or enjoying on their own as a side dish.
This spicy Brazilian coconut chicken dish is a flavorful and comforting meal that is perfect for a chilly night. The chicken is cooked in a creamy coconut sauce with a kick of heat from chili peppers, served over rice and topped with cilantro. It's a delicious and bold dish that will pair well with the smoky flavors of your beer can chicken.
Brazilian stroganoff is a popular dish in Brazil that puts a unique spin on the classic Russian dish. This version is made with strips of beef, mushrooms, and a creamy tomato sauce, served over rice and topped with shoestring potatoes. The rich and hearty flavors of this dish make it a perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
This vegetarian option is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavors of Brazil without the meat. Brazilian portabellas are marinated in a tangy and flavorful sauce and grilled until tender. They can be served as a side dish or used as a topping for your beer can chicken.
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Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Main Ingredients: Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Turmeric, Coriander, Garlic
If you can't get enough of Brazilian cheese bread, then these cheese bread puffs are a must-try. They are made with the same dough as traditional cheese bread but are baked in a muffin tin, giving them a cute and bite-sized shape. These puffs are perfect for snacking on while waiting for your beer can chicken to cook.
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Brazilian Stroganoff
Main Ingredients: Sirloin, Mushrooms, Onion, Butter, Olive Oil, Smoked
If you want to try your hand at making your own pão de queijo, here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious Brazilian snack. The recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients, making it a perfect addition to your beer can chicken menu.
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Brazilian Portabellas
Main Ingredients: Ground Cumin, Ground Cayenne Pepper, Ground Turmeric
No meal is complete without dessert, and this authentic Brazilian tres leches cake is the perfect way to end your beer can chicken feast. This cake is soaked in three different types of milk, giving it a moist and decadent texture. It's a sweet and indulgent treat that your guests will love.
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Brazilian Cheese Bread Puffs
Main Ingredients: Egg, Cooking Oil, Milk, Tapioca Flour, Cheddar Cheese
Picanha steak, also known as top sirloin cap, is a popular cut of meat in Brazil and a must-try for any meat lover. This flavorful and tender steak is typically grilled and served with a side of chimichurri sauce. It's a perfect pairing for your beer can chicken and will add a touch of Brazilian flair to your barbecue.
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How to Make Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Tapioca Flour, Large
Moqueca is a traditional Brazilian fish stew that is popular in coastal regions of the country. This version uses salmon, but you can use any firm white fish you prefer. The stew is made with a coconut milk base and flavored with herbs and spices, making it a delicious and unique accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
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Authentic Pastel de Tres Leches (Tres Leches Cake)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, Eggs, Vanilla
If you want to take your pastel game to the next level, try making these pastels with three different fillings – beef, cheese, and shrimp. The dough is the same as traditional pastels, but the combination of fillings will add variety and flavor to your beer can chicken meal.
This Brazilian fish stew is similar to moqueca but uses a different variety of fish and has a thicker consistency. It's made with a tomato and coconut milk base, loaded with chunks of fish, and served over rice. The flavors of this stew will pair well with the smoky flavors of your beer can chicken.
If you want to stick to the traditional recipe, here's how to make moqueca from scratch. This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for those who love seafood and want to try a unique Brazilian dish. Don't forget to serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a true Brazilian feast.
The Secret Ingredient: Tapioca Flour
One of the key components of Brazilian pastels is the dough, which is what gives them their unique texture and flavor. Unlike traditional pastries, Brazilian pastels are made with tapioca flour, also known as tapioca starch. This flour is made from cassava root, a staple crop in Brazil, and is gluten-free, making it a popular choice for those with dietary restrictions. Tapioca flour gives the dough a chewy and crispy texture, making it perfect for frying.
Preparing the Dough
To make the dough for Brazilian pastels, you will need tapioca flour, all-purpose flour, water, salt, and vegetable oil. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to use equal parts tapioca flour and all-purpose flour. Begin by mixing the two flours together in a large mixing bowl, then slowly add in water until the dough comes together. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, then let it rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Filling Options
While the dough is resting, you can prepare your filling of choice. Traditional Brazilian pastels are filled with a mixture of ground meat, onions, and spices, but you can also use cheese, vegetables, or a combination of both. Make sure to cook your filling before filling the pastels, as they will only be fried for a few minutes and will not have enough time to cook through.
Frying to Perfection
Once the dough has rested, roll it out into thin circles and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Fold the dough over and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer and carefully place the pastels in the hot oil, frying until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serving Suggestions
Brazilian pastels are best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight out of the fryer. They can be served on their own as a snack or appetizer, or as a main dish with a side of fresh tomato salsa or hot sauce. These pastels are also a popular street food in Brazil, often served with a cold beer or freshly squeezed juice. No matter how you choose to serve them, Brazilian pastels are a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
In Conclusion
While the process of making Brazilian pastels may seem daunting at first, with the right ingredients and a little practice, you can easily recreate this beloved dish in your own kitchen. The combination of tapioca flour and all-purpose flour gives the dough a unique texture, while the filling options are endless. So why not give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Brazil to your next meal?
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