Brussels sprouts were seemingly once the bane of children’s existence. “Eat your Brussels sprouts” was about the worst thing you could hear at dinner time. But Brussels sprouts have come a long, long way from their boiled, bland origins. Like many misunderstood vegetables, they have the potential to be truly delicious, even addicting. It’s all […]

Empadinhas are a very popular street food in Brazil, along with classics like kibbeh, acaraje, and pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread). They are a savory hand pie that can be filled with any kind of meat and vegetables. In many cases, you may also find sweet empadinha with fillings like fruit and dulce de […]

Coconut features heavily in much of traditional Brazilian cuisine. This is especially true in the north and northeastern regions of the country, which account for more than 80 percent of the country’s entire crop. You can find coconut milk enriching soups and stews, added to desserts, and of course, blended into drinks. Today’s recipe is […]

Skewered and grilled chicken hearts are a Brazilian barbecue staple, and for good reason. They are cheap, delicious, and easy to make; not only that, they are perfectly bite-sized! Chicken hearts are not quite as popular in the US, but they are still easy enough to find at the supermarket. Surprise the guests at your […]

Pumpkins are a staple of Brazilian cuisine. Known collectively as “aboboras,” the term can apply to many varieties of winter squash, including acorn squash and Japanese squash. While Brazilians are famous for their sweet tooth, they tend to favor savory pumpkin dishes over sugary ones. Quibebe is one example: a flavorful stew made from butternut […]

Corn is serious business in Brazil. As one of the world’s largest producers of this crop, Brazilians have exceptionally high standards when it comes to corn. Street vendors are even known to slice little squares into the husks of their offerings to allow customers to inspect the quality and color of the kernels before they […]

With warmer temperatures approaching, many of us are itching to get cookout season going. In the US, this typically means brats, burgers, hot dogs, and cold salads. But in Brazil, it’s a whole different ball game. If you’re looking for something new to try at your next barbecue, take a look at this list of […]

Like the US, Mother’s Day in Brazil is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It is a day dedicated to honoring not just mothers, but also grandmothers, aunts, and any other mother-like figures deserving of recognition. While it is not an official holiday, Brazilians still consider Dia das Mães one of the most important […]

Brazilian Black Bean Stew with Collards and Sausage Feijao tropeiro is one of Brazil’s most popular dishes. A hearty stew of black beans, spicy sausage, and collard greens, it is something of a mixture between feijoada and caldo verde. Like American hash, feijao tropeiro has traditionally been a way to use up leftovers, making it […]

White Lasagna Recipe with Ham Brazilians love Italian food, and lasagna is no exception. There are a few key differences to Brazilian lasagna, however. In addition to the familiar ingredients of ground beef, tomatoes, and mozzarella, today’s recipe incorporates a white sauce and shaved ham. We will also forgo the ricotta in favor of more […]

With over 7 million citizens claiming Lebanese heritage, it is no surprise that many of Lebanon’s traditional dishes are popular among Brazilians. One particular favorite is esfiha, or Lebanese meat pies. These are a bakery staple and also very popular at parties. They can be eaten any time of day and with a variety of […]

In the US, we rarely think of leeks as a stand-alone dish. We use them to enhance other dishes, like soups and sauces. In Brazil, however, these sweet vegetables are served in a variety of ways alongside churrasco-style meats. Today’s recipe slowly cooks thin strips of leek in garlic-infused butter, olive oil, and a little […]