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Smoked Mac n Cheese (Maccaronada com Requeijao)

Posted on by John Reynolds

smoked Brazilian mac n cheese with penne noodles

Smoked Pasta with Brazilian Cream Cheese

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival good, old-fashioned mac n cheese. Creamy, gooey, and flavorful, it is a perfect meal on its own, and a glorious accompaniment to churrasco. If you thought you couldn’t elevate  this staple dish, any further, prepare to be amazed:mac n cheese can be smoked right along with your favorite proteins. The smoke adds a whole new element to an already flavor-packed and decadent pasta dish. What’s more, it’s easy! Read on for a fabulous recipe for smoked mac n cheese. We have a feeling you won’t be going back to baked any time soon. 

Mac n Cheese in Brazil

Brazilians love cheese, so it’s no surprise that mac n cheese is nearly as popular there as it is here in the US. Of course, there are a few distinctly Brazilian ingredients that set the dish apart from its American cousin. The cheeses are a couple of national favorites you’ll find in nearly every dish that calls for dairy: mozzarella and requeijao. These milder cheeses are ideal when making a smoked mac n cheese, since the flavors won’t overpower that smoky element. 

Brazilian mac n cheese is also typically made with penne, not elbow macaroni. The grooves in penne allow the creamy sauce to fully coat each noodle, and the bigger size keeps the noodles a little more separated than in traditional mac n cheese. This is definitely more of a pasta than a casserole, although Brazilians don’t shy away from baked dishes either. 

Finally, our smoked Brazilian mac n cheese incorporates a little tomato goodness. Topped with parmesan cheese, the final product has an italian flare not dissimilar to baked ziti, but far creamier. 

Can You Freeze Smoked Mac n Cheese

Sure. Frozen smoked mac n cheese will keep for up to six weeks in your freezer. For best results, defrost or fully thaw the mixture before re-heating. This allows the sauce to melt evenly. You may need to add a little fresh cream to smooth out lumps that may have formed while freezing. 

Cheese Substitutes for Mac n Cheese

Requeijao is not commonly found in stores in the US. Luckily, you can easily make homemade Brazilian cream cheese. If this is a little more effort than you’d like, you can substitute American cream cheese. 

We are sticking with mozzarella cheese for our smoked mac n cheese. However, there are a few different cheeses that would be very well suited to a little smoke flavor: gouda, provolone, havarti, or, of course, cheddar. 

What Wood Chips for Smoked Mac n Cheese?

Mild wood chips are best for a good, but not overwhelming, smoke flavor. Try cherry, pecan, or applewood chips. 

Recipe for Smoked Mac n Cheese (Maccaroneda com Requeijao)

Ingredients: 

1 lb dried penne (16 oz)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Extra virgin olive oil
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
1 cup requeijão (Brazilian cream cheese)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 oz shredded or grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the penne and cook until al-dente. Strain and toss with a little olive oil. Reserve ¼ cup or so of the pasta water. 
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat a large, heat-safe skillet over medium heat (cast iron works well).
  4. Add in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Saute the onion until translucent. Then add in the garlic and cook for a further 30 seconds, just until fragrant. 
  5. Add in tomato sauce and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Add a few twists of freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt (we used 1.5 tsp). Bring the mixture to a high simmer, then reduce to medium, cover and cook until it has thickened (around 5 minutes).
  6. Now, stir in the heavy cream. Heat the mixture to a boil, then remove from the heat.
  7. Add in your mozzarella cheese and cream cheese, stirring constantly off the heat until all the cheese is melted. 
  8. When the sauce has come together, pour in the penne noodles and stir until evenly coated. 
  9. Top the smoked mac n cheese with the shredded parmesan cheese.
  10. Transfer the pan to the smoker and “bake” for 45 minutes to one hour. Keep an eye on the mixture so it doesn’t dry out. 
  11. Top finished smoked mac n cheese with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

More Great Brazilian Recipes to Try:

 

Pastel de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Pastry)

Posted on by John Reynolds

pastel de queijo on a serving platter with dipping sauce

Pastels are a favorite street food in Brazil. They are essentially a hand pie, and can be stuffed with all sorts of delicious fillings, both savory and sweet. Today, we are opting for simplicity and making pastel de queijo. Mild and gooey cheese is encased in a crisp, fried crust for a truly decadent and satisfying treat. 

Where Does Pastel de Queijo Come From?

The exact origin of pastels in Brazil is not known. However, many attribute the first recipes to Chinese immigrants. This is due to the similarity between the pastel’s crust and a fried spring roll wrapper. It is thought that Chinese Brazilians adapted their spring roll recipes to suit different tastes, substituting traditional fillings with local ingredients. 

Another theory suggests that Japanese immigrants were the first to popularize pastels. During WWII, prejudice against Japanese immigrants grew immensely due to the country’s alliance with Germany. In order to escape persecution, many Japanese Brazilians posed as Chinese, adopting clothing and traditions to disguise their true heritage. Making food with typically Chinese ingredients may have been another way to maintain this facade. 

Whatever the history, pastels have become an integral part of Brazilian fast food cuisine. The fillings reflect regional tastes: shrimp and cod are popular in Bahia, while São Paulans favor ground meats. Other common fillings include heart of palm, shredded chicken, requeijao, and, of course, cheese. 

What Kind of Cheese is Best for Pastels?

Traditional pastel de queijo uses a mild cheese, like mozzarella or Minas cheese; but you can use any kind of cheese you like, so long as it is suitably melty. Whatever you might use for a fondue, you can use for a pastel de queijo: 

  • Gruyere 
  • Emmental
  • Cheddar
  • Gouda
  • Havarti
  • Provolone

Feel free to use a blend of your favorites as well. We are sticking with mozzarella and a little aged white cheddar today, but the sky’s the limit for your cheesy filling. 

Tips for the Perfect Pastel de Queijo Crust

The crust is very important for pastels: you want a crisp, crunchy texture that is thick enough to hold in all that cheesy goodness, but not so thick it’s hard to eat. Your crust should also have bubbles (remember the spring roll wrapper relationship?). 

The bubbles in your pastel de queijo crust are achieved via two key ingredients: alcohol and vinegar. Traditional Brazilian pastels use cachaca for the alcohol, but you can substitute any grain alcohol (rum, vodka, etc.). The alcohol does not impart much taste, as it cooks off during frying. It is simply a means of attaining that light, bubbly crust. 

Another important step in ensuring the best crust for your pastel de queijo is letting the dough rest. As with other pastry dough, this allows the gluten in the flour to relax. If you attempt to roll out and cut the dough without resting it, your crust will be tough.

Pastel Dipping Sauce

Pastel de queijo is sometimes served with hot sauce. You can certainly do this with yours, especially if you like heat. We like to pair ours with a little hot honey. In a microwave-safe container, mix half a cup of liquid honey with a tablespoon of red chili flakes (more, if you want spicier). Add in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and stir to combine. Heat the mixture in the microwave for two fifteen-second bursts. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the chili flakes to infuse, then strain them out. Voila!

Freezing Pastel de Queijo

You can easily prepare pastels ahead of time and freeze them until ready to use. Assemble them as you would right before frying, then place them on a baking tray and put them in the freezer. When they have hardened, transfer the pasteis to an airtight container (you may want to wrap them individually in parchment to prevent sticking). The frozen pastel de queijo will keep for up to 4 months. When you are ready to use them, fry them as you would below, keeping in mind you may need a little extra frying time. 

Recipe for Pastel de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Pastries)

Ingredients:

For the Crust

3.5 cups flour (all purpose)
1 egg
¾ tbsp salt
1 cup cold water
1 oz canola or vegetable oil
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 oz grain alcohol (cachaca, rum, vodka, etc.)
Oil for frying

For the Filling

4 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
4 oz aged white cheddar cheese, cubed

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour and salt. Add in the egg, water, vinegar, alcohol, and vegetable oil and mix until the dough starts to come together.
  2. Once you have a soft and pliable dough, knead it on a clean surface for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Return the dough to the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough rest for 15-30 minutes.
  3. After the resting period, divide the dough into smaller portions (about the size of a large marble) and roll each portion into a thin, circular disk. You want around 3-4 inches in diameter. Repeat this process for the remaining dough. 
  4. Place 1 cube of each type of cheese in the center of each disc. Fold the dough over the cheese to form a half moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal the pastel, using a fork to crimp the edges.
  5. In a large frying pan, add enough oil to cover the pasteis de queijo. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and quickly rises to the top, the oil is ready.
  6. Carefully slide the pastel de queijo into the oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, flipping once during the process. Fry in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
  7. Once done, remove the pastels from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  8. Let the pasteis cool for a few minutes then serve with your hot honey dipping sauce or with a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!

More Great Brazilian Recipes to Try:

 

Croque Monsieur (Bauru de Forno)

Posted on by John Reynolds

Brazilian croque monsieur sandwich

Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Every country seems to have its own spin on the grilled cheese sandwich, and Brazil is no exception. Like many of the country’s dishes, the Brazilian croque monsieur (aka bauru de forno) is “extra”: extra gooey, extra cheesy, and extra delicious. What really sets Brazilian grilled cheese sandwiches apart is that they are baked in the oven under a layer of melty cheese sauce. The effect is similar to a savory French toast, or a croque monsieur casserole. However you describe it, it is comfort food at its finest. Add in the fact that it is so simple to make, and we are sure it will become a regular in your weeknight meals rotation. 

What is a Croque Monsieur?

The croque monsieur is French in origin. It dates back to the early 20th century, when it was served as a popular brasserie snack (and it still is!). “Croque” means “crunchy,” a nod to the dish’s toasty texture. The ingredients vary according to region, but it must always have at least bread, ham, and melted cheese (traditionally gruyere). If it is topped with an egg (fried or poached), it is called a “croque madame.” 

Our Brazilian croques are similar to a variation known as “croque provencal,” which also features fresh tomatoes. We add a little oregano for an herbaceous layer that pairs very well with the mozzarella cheese. 

Croque Monsieur Sauce

Traditional croque monsieur sandwiches may be served with or without a simple bechamel sauce made from butter, flour, salt, pepper, cream or milk, and a dash of nutmeg. The Brazilian croque monsieur also incorporates a similar sauce, but we substitute the nutmeg with a little dijon mustard for some earthy umami flavor. 

In some recipes, you do not need to make a bechamel at all. The “sauce” is made without heat by whisking together heavy cream, mayonnaise, and mustard. This is also delicious and helps a golden crust to form over the top of the sandwiches, thanks to the eggs in the mayo. In the interest of cutting a few calories, however, we are substituting this version with a bechamel made with skim milk. 

Cheese in Brazilian Croque Monsieurs

Again, the traditional cheese used in French croque monsieurs is gruyere, or sometimes emmental. Brazilians favor mozzarella and parmesan, which are also used in another favorite snack: the ubiquitous Brazilian cheese bread.

You can use whatever kind of cheese you like, as long as it’s a good melter. If you’re looking for a more authentic bauru de forno, however, stick with the mozzarella. 

Brazilian Croque Monsieur Recipe

Ingredients:

For 4 sandwiches:

8 slices of white bread, crusts removed
½ pound of thin sliced deli ham
8 slices slices of sliced mozzarella cheese (provolone is good, too)
1 large steak tomato, sliced
½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan
Dried oregano

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
10 oz skim milk
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
Pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit. 
  2. Assemble your sandwiches. On one slice of bread, put one slice of cheese, then one fourth of the ham. Top with a second slice of cheese, one or two slices of tomato, a pinch of dried oregano, and another piece of bread. Repeat for the remaining three sandwiches. 
  3. Put the four assembled sandwiches in a casserole or other oven safe dish. 
  4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for two minutes. Add in the salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Slowly whisk in the milk, turning the heat up to a boil. When the sauce has thickened, stir in the dijon mustard.
  5. Pour the sauce over your sandwiches in the casserole dish.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sandwiches and sauce.
  7. Bake, uncovered, in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. 

Enjoy! 

More Great Brazilian Recipes to Try:

Brazilian Grilled Cheese

Posted on by John Reynolds

skewered brazilian grilled cheese with grill marks

Espetinhos de Queijo: Skewered Cheese on the Grill with Honey Drizzle

When we think of “grilled cheese” in the States, we think of a toasted sandwich, often accompanied by a steaming bowl of tomato soup. Grilled cheese has a completely different meaning in Brazil, where it is not a sandwich at all. Instead, Brazilian grilled cheese, or espetinhos de queijo, is a favorite on-the-go snack that is literally nothing more than cheese that has been skewered and grilled. 

Despite its simplicity, Brazilian grilled cheese is a decadent and delicious treat. The salty, smoky cheese is often accompanied with a sweet honey drizzle, perfectly rounding out the flavors of this handheld delight. We like to sprinkle it with a healthy amount of farofa (toasted cassava) for a little crunch and nuttiness-it is seriously like having portable baked brie on a cracker. 

Best Cheeses for Grilling

In Brazil, the favorite cheese for many dishes is called Minas cheese. More specifically, “minas fresca” (fresh minas cheese) is the preferred medium of choice for making Brazilian cheese sticks. 

Unfortunately, minas cheese is not readily available outside of Brazil. However, it bears a good resemblance in both taste and texture to a few cheeses you may readily substitute. In general, you want a nice, salty cheese with a high melting point (you want it to maintain its structure after grilling). If you cannot find fresh minas cheese, try the following:

Halloumi: halloumi is often the go-to for grilling cheeses. Originally from Cyprus, it is made from a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It can be found in most high end grocery stores, including Whole Foods and Sprouts. You will also likely find it at your local Mediterranean grocers, especially if the neighborhood has a sizable Greek population. 

Kefalotyri: kefalotyri is also a Greek cheese made from sheep and goat milk. It is somewhat harder and saltier than halloumi, and the end result has a somewhat softer and smoother texture. Again, you should be able to find this cheese at your local Whole Foods or Mediterranean market. 

Paneer: this is our favorite cheese to use for this recipe. It is a hard cow’s milk cheese common in India, Nepal, Pakistan and other parts of South Asia. It is just as lovely on the grill as halloumi, but tends to be quite a bit less expensive. You can also find it at Whole Foods or at many Indian grocers. 

Queso Panela: queso panela is a Mexican cow’s milk cheese similar in taste and texture to minas cheese. It has a mild, slightly salty flavor that pairs well with sweet or salty condiments. Queso panela has a higher water content, however. It does not, typically, do well as a skewer or hand held, unless you put the end result in a tortilla or on a piece of bread. Queso panela can be found in most grocery stores in the international refrigerator section. 

Preparing Your Brazilian Grilled Cheese Skewers

If you are using wooden skewers, you will need to soak them in water for 30 minutes or so to avoid burning on the grill. Remove the soaked skewers and let dry for a few minutes on a paper towel. 

If you are using halloumi, you can use the skewer-soaking time to extract a little of the excess salt from the cheese. Place the cheese in a container of cold water for half an hour, then remove and pat dry with paper towels. 

Brazilian Grilled Cheese Skewers Recipe

Ingredients:

14 oz paneer cheese, cut into 1”x3” sticks.
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt

  1. Heat your grill or grilling pan to medium-high heat. Brush liberally with the extra virgin olive oil.
  2. Place skewers in each of your cheese sticks and prepare a large baking sheet lined with foil to place them after they are grilled. 
  3. Put skewered cheese sticks onto the preheated grill and grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Try your best to allow clear grill marks to form before turning. 
  4. Sprinkle a little kosher salt onto the grilled cheese and put finished sticks on the lined baking sheet. 
  5. When all the sticks are grilled, drizzle with a generous amount of honey or guava syrup and sprinkle with farofa or toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch. 

Enjoy!

More Great Brazilian Recipes to Try:

Burgundy Mushrooms

Grilled Pineapple Slices

Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo)

Homemade Cream Cheese Recipe (Requeijao from Brazil)

Posted on by John Reynolds

Brazilian Cheese Spread is Delicious and Easy to Make

Brazilian cream cheese in glass bowl with wooden spoon

Requeijao is a famous cheese spread in Brazil similar to American cream cheese. Like cream cheese, it has a wide variety of applications, from sweet to savory. It is commonly used in pasta sauces, for example, or spread on top of crusty french bread for an afternoon snack.

Requeijo originated in Minas Girais, a state in Brazil that continues to be the highest producer of milk in the country. In 2015, it is estimated that the state produced over 9 billion liters of milk! Unsurprisingly, many other famous Brazilian milk and cheese dishes have their roots in Minas Girais, including the ubiquitous pão de queijo.

While requeijao is likened in taste to cream cheese, the name is actually Portuguese for “ricotta.” In fact, many homemade recipes for requeijo call for some amount of ricotta. 

The texture of requeijao, however, is unlike either cream cheese or ricotta. It is generally much softer, sometimes even approaching a liquid-like state. In this way, it might be compared to a creme fraiche or thinner sour cream. 

Whatever you compare it to, it is distinctly Brazilian and very delicious. Requeijao is sold in stores and online in a signature pot with a plastic lid. Brazilians eat so much of it that you can find loads of sites dedicated to reusing requeijao pots in craft or DIY projects around the house. 

Luckily, you can avoid a back-log of plastic requeijao containers by making your own Brazilian cream cheese at home. It is extremely simple to make and will keep for up to 10 days in the refrigerator. 

Requeijão Cremoso vs. Requeijão de Corte

Today we are making requeijao cremoso, the creamy spread that cannot be sliced like a hardened cheese.There is another dish in Brazil called requeijao de corte. This is a regional cheese that is mild, yellow in color, and hard enough to cut into slices. 

Questions About Making Brazilian Cream Cheese at Home

Do I have to use whole milk?

No, you can substitute 2 percent milk in place of whole milk. It is not recommended that you use anything leaner than that, though, or you will have a hard time attaining the desired consistency.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can substitute the lemon juice in this recipe for another mild acid, like white vinegar.

Do I have to add parmesan and mozzarella?

No, the addition of these cheeses is completely optional. If you choose to omit them, you will not need as much liquid milk when you blend the ingredients, and you may want to add some additional salt. 

Can I freeze Brazilian cream cheese?

Unfortunately, this recipe does not freeze well. The mixture tends to separate or develop a granular texture. 

Homemade Cream Cheese Recipe (Requeijao from Brazil)

Ingredients:

7.5 cups (60 oz) whole milk
½ cups heavy cream
2 oz lemon juice or vinegar
½ tsp salt
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1.5 tablespoons butter 

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, bring milk to a boil. Remove from heat and add vinegar or lemon juice. Stir until curds begin to form.
  2. Line a colander with cheese cloth and place over a large bowl. Ladle the curds into the colander and press to strain any excess liquid. Rinse curds with cold water to remove any additional vinegar or lemon juice.
  3. Squeeze curds in cheese cloth to remove as much liquid as possible.
  4. Place curds in a blender with salt, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, butter, and half of the whipping cream. Blend until smooth, adding more heavy cream as needed to attain a smooth, spreadable texture. It should be fairly runny (it will thicken as it cools).
  5. Pour cheese mixture into a clean, sealable container. 
  6. Refrigerate for four hours or overnight before using. Store in the fridge for up to 10 days. 

How to Eat Requeijao

There really is no limit on what you can pair with your Brazilian cream cheese. It can be used as a substitute in any recipe that calls for ricotta, as well as a filling for sandwiches, Brazilian cheese bread, and crepes. It makes a delicious sauce for pasta, either mixed with tomato sauce or on its own in macaroni and cheese. 

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