This may be the most commonly known version of Brazilian food. All over the U.S., Brazilian Churrascarias are becoming more and more popular. Visit one and you will find a classy restaurant that serves many cuts of high quality meat on skewers that are brought to the table and sliced onto your plate. This is the glamorized version of a Brazilian Churrasco.
But here in Brazil, a Churrasco is all about the party. Family and friends gather to enjoy an entire day of eating and drinking and good conversation. A variety of meats are cooked to perfection on metal skewers above embers of charcoal or wood. In the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the churrasco originated, they typically use wood to add an additional layer of depth to the meat. The typical Brazilian churrasco grill looks like the one below.
Another difference is that Brazil takes advantage of the whole cow, pig, and chicken, offering cuts that are not even available in the States. Just take a look at the diagram below: 21 cuts of beef! The typical American diagram boasts a mere 13. Notice #21 - the hump of the cow. You won't find that in the States. Chicken hearts and a variety of homemade pork sausages are other examples of meats served at your neighborhood churrasco.
But here in Brazil, a Churrasco is all about the party. Family and friends gather to enjoy an entire day of eating and drinking and good conversation. A variety of meats are cooked to perfection on metal skewers above embers of charcoal or wood. In the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the churrasco originated, they typically use wood to add an additional layer of depth to the meat. The typical Brazilian churrasco grill looks like the one below.
Another difference is that Brazil takes advantage of the whole cow, pig, and chicken, offering cuts that are not even available in the States. Just take a look at the diagram below: 21 cuts of beef! The typical American diagram boasts a mere 13. Notice #21 - the hump of the cow. You won't find that in the States. Chicken hearts and a variety of homemade pork sausages are other examples of meats served at your neighborhood churrasco.
Brazil's Butcher Shop: At live markets in Brazil, whole sides of meat hang from hooks waiting for the butcher to skillfully carve your selection. I would personally recommend Picanha, costellas defumado, and hand made linguica.
No comments:
Post a Comment