More Brasilian Cuisine

Moqueca de Peixe (Fish Stew)

2 lb skinless white fish fillets

1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

1 fresh hot pepper, minced or 1 tsp cayenne pepper

4 tbsp, fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 black pepper

juice of 1 large lemon

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained

1 medium onion, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

1. Rinse fish under cool running water and pat dry. Cut into roughly2-inch-square pieces and place in a large mixing bowl or baking dish.

2. In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, hot pepper, cilantro, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and half of the tomatoes and onion. Process until smooth.

3. Pour tomato mixture over the fish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

4. Heat olive oil in a heavy sauce pan over medium heat. Add fish, tomato mixture, and remaining tomato and onion.

5. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 to 15 min, or until fish is cooked through. Serve hot with rice.

Prep: 1 hr 20 min, Cooking: 25 to 30 min, Serves: 4 to 6

I added 90 sec microwave rice to the stew at step 4 instead of serving it on the side.

Brasilian Cuisine

Rob suggested that I start adding some of the recipes that I have been trying, as I have been doing a lot more home cooking than ever before. Bare with me as I add several of my favorites all in a row, I need to catch up.

I dated a guy back in high school who grew up in the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Recife, Brasil. He introduced me to authentic Brasilian food, so when I came across an easy Brasilian cookbook at the local book store I had to get it.

Menu

Tutu a Mineira (Mashed Beans)

Pao de Queijo (Cheese Rolls)

Costeletas de Porco (Brasilian Pork Chops)

Tutu a Mineira (Mashed Beans)

3 c. canned beans

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

3/4 c. manioc flour (substitute cream of wheat)

salt and pepper to taste

1. Drain beans over a bowl and reserve the liquid.

2. Place the beans in a food processor or blender about 1/2 c. at a time, along with a little of their liquid. Process beans until smooth. Repeat with remaining beans.

3. In a wide, deep saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 min, or until onion is translucent (clear). Add garlic ad cook 1 to 2 min longer. Option: saute chopped green pepper and tomato with onion. Add an extra min or 2 to the saute time.

4. Reduce heat to low and carefully add mashed beans to pan. Slowly add manioc flour, stirring constantly. Continue cooking over low heat of 10 to 15 min longer, adding a bit more bean liquid if the mixture is too thick. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Prep: 10 min, Cooking: 20 to 25 min, Serves: 4 to 6

Pao de Queijo (Cheese Rolls)

4 c. manioc starch (tapioca starch)

1 c. vegetable oil

5 eggs, beaten

1 tsp. salt

3 c. grated cheese

1. Combine all ingredients except cheese in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.

2. Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl and add cheese. Stir well.

3. Preheat oven to 350F. Divide cheese dough into about 30 pieces. Rub oil on your hands and shape the dough into balls. Place balls on a baking sheet or in the compartments of a muffing tin. Bake 15 to 20 min, or until rolls are very lightly browned on top. Serve warm.

Prep: 30 min, Baking: 15 to 20 min, Yields: 30 small rolls

Costeletas de Porco (Brasilian Pork Chops)

4 to 6 lean pork chops (about 1 lb)

2 tbsp. olive oil

juice of 1 lemon

1 to 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1. Wash pork chops under cool running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Trim off any visible fat.

2. In a wide baking dish or bowl, combine all ingredients except pork chops and mix well. Add pork chops, stir well to coat, and cover dish with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 3 pork chops for 5 to 7 min on each side. If you have 2 skillets and someone to help you, you can cook all the pork chops at once. Otherwise, carefully place the first batch on an ovenproof plate in a warm oven (about 200F) while you cook the second batch.

Prep: 1 hr 10 min, Cook: 15 to 30 min, Serves: 4 to 6

Very simple recipes for a completely Brasilian meal that is full of natural flavor.