Brazilian Independence Day, celebrated on September 7 each year, is a day for people to honor and rejoice in the beauty and richness of the Brazilian culture. Whether you have Brazilian heritage or have friends who do, there’s nothing quite so enjoyable as celebrating the occasion with a traditional barbeque. Brazilian barbecue, also known as churrasco, is all about fun, flavor, and comradeship. International Fresh Market, your local Brazilian grocery store, will outline the key ingredients you need to create an authentic Brazilian barbecue in the comfort of your home.
The Heart of Churrasco: Quality Meats
Meat is the central component of any barbecue, and meat in Brazilian cuisine is particularly important. Traditional cuts include Picanha, which is a premium top sirloin cap, Fraldinha, flank steak, and Linguiça, savory Brazilian sausage. It can be tricky to select high-quality meat from the store, so don’t be afraid to talk to the butcher about what cuts of meat you should select from the case. Opt for cuts with lots of marbling, which is visible fat flecks that resemble a marble pattern. Meat with lots of marbling means that the meat is more likely to have a rich, sweet flavor.
Seasoning Essentials: Rock Salt and Marinades
Using the right seasoning can enhance the flavor of the meat for your barbeque, no matter what cuts you select. Rock salt is the traditional primary seasoning for meat in Brazil. Rock salt is a pure form of salt that’s free from preservatives and has an earthy flavor. Salt your meat before placing it on the grill by patting it dry and sprinkling plenty of salt on both sides.
You can also marinate the meat before barbecuing. Mix up a simple marinade with olive oil, lime juice, and garlic, or opt for one of the many store-bought marinades available at an international grocery store. You can even try out several different marinades if you’re hosting a large group, so everyone has ample opportunity to try out the flavors of Brazil.
Accompaniments: Essential Side Dishes
Toasty and delicious, farofa is a traditional Brazilian side dish that pairs well with any entree. To make farofa, place diced bacon in a cold pan and allow the pan to come to medium heat. When the bacon starts to sizzle, add butter, onions, and garlic. Sautee until the onions are golden-brown and then add cassava flour. Season to taste with salt and pepper and cook in the pan until toasty. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Vinagrete, or Brazilian salsa, is perfect for balancing the flavor of any meat-heavy meal. It takes no more than ten minutes to prepare at home. To make vinagrete, combine diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions in a bowl. Add white wine vinegar and olive oil and stir well to combine. You can add salt to taste.
Hearty and flavorful, Feijão Tropeiro is made with beans, bacon, eggs, and cassava flour. It works well as a side dish but also stands up as an entree on its own. To make Feijão Tropeiro, prepare beans by either cooking them from dried or heating canned beans in a large pot. In a separate pan, cook bacon and eggs, stirring until well combined. Add beans to the pan, and sprinkle cassava flour over the whole mixture, cooking until moist and incorporated.
Drinks to Complement Your Churrasco
Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. Light and refreshing, Caipirinha pairs particularly well with barbecue meats. To make this drink, muddle lime wedges with sugar in a cocktail glass. Fill the glass with ice, add cachaça, and stir lightly. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.
If you’re avoiding alcohol or want to include a variety of options at your celebration, make sure to grab Guaraná, Brazil’s popular soft drink, from your local international grocery store. Most stores, including International Fresh Market, feature a variety of soft drinks from around the world, including this sweet option.
You can also pick up Brazilian beer from the international grocery store. A few popular options include Bohemia and Brahma, German-style pilsners that are relatively light and pair well with any entree. For a slightly stronger option, pick up Invicta 108. This darker variety packs a punch and goes well with appetizers or savory sausages.
Desserts to Finish Off
Everyone looks forward to dessert! Brigaderio is an easy, portable dessert infused with classic Brazilian flavor. Make the truffles with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, and roll them in chocolate sprinkles. Serve them on a pretty platter and watch your guests exclaim with delight.
Pudim is another option, ideal for upscale dinner parties. Sweet and creamy, pudim is made with sweet condensed milk, eggs, and whole milk. Prepare it as you would a traditional flan, by blending the custard ingredients and setting them in a pan over boiling water. Pour a homemade caramel sauce over the flan and bake for an hour or until the flan is set but still jiggly in the middle.
Bringing it All Together: Setting Up Your Brazilian Barbecue
Setting up a Brazilian barbecue doesn’t have to be complicated. For the most traditional preparation, use a churrasqueira, a specially grill designed for skewering and grilling meats. If you want to use a standard grill you already own, incorporate skewers into your preparation and use charcoal or wood for the best flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat is cooked thoroughly but not overdone. The key to any successful Brazilian barbecue is tender, well-cooked meat. Invest extra time in marinating and preparing meat so that it’s easy to move on and off the grill and onto serving trays. Serve meat in stages as the Brazilians do, slicing off bits at a time so guests can enjoy pieces as you go.
Have some festive decor out if possible, including colorful centerpieces or tropical table arrangements. Music in the background can enhance the mood and create a vibrant, party atmosphere. Finally, make sure you have plenty of comfortable seats for your guests to make themselves comfortable.
Visit International Fresh Market for Brazilian Groceries and Essentials
Brazilian Independence Day is a time of joyous celebration, filled with food, fun, and family. This year, pick up all the essentials for your Brazilian Independence Day barbecue from International Fresh Market and hit the grill in style! Visit our storefront to see everything we have, from Brazilian beer to baking and pantry staples.
