Brazilian meals are about roasting meat and drinking coffee

Keep your watch aside (or mobile in today's times). That's rule number one of indulging in a meal with Brazilians. They don't believe in quick lunches on weekends or otherwise. No takeaway cold salads and sandwiches, please. Rather, they lay stress on cooking (eating) together as a family. On weekends, they gather to prepare large portions of Feijoada, Brazil's national dish. Whilst the black beans dish with a selection of meats is being prepared - everyone enjoys many cups of coffee. An impromptu song and dance performance brightens up the mealtime. Brazilian cuisine is heavily influenced by the cooking techniques of the Portuguese, Italian, Arab, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. In fact, Feijoada was brought to the land by the Portuguese.
When not singing, they'll be engaging in their second most-loved activity - Churrasco, which translates roughly from the Portuguese for BBQ. Meat is the key to most Brazilian meals - smoking and drying of meats are the culinary skills that every Brazilian is familiar with. Plus, they take immense pride in purchasing perfect cuts like top sirloin cap and bottom sirloin. As for the marinade, they claim no one can compete with their simple rock salt version.
In beverages, they love coffee, followed by sugarcane juice. And since the North East of the land is home to tropical fruits like mango, guava, passion fruit, and pineapple; fresh juices are enjoyed as well. If you like falafel, then you should sample its Brazilian version called Acarajé, which is made with black-eyed peas. Round up your meal with sweet eats like Brigadeiro and Quindim.
Once done, don't be in a hurry to leave. Stay just a bit longer, for the next round of coffee must be on its way.
purva@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining
• Dubai