by Natalia Essigmann
Disclaimer: Food descriptions are based on my own experiences in São Paulo, Brazil and Massachusetts, United States!
Here we are again with another list of delicious foods-- the best kind of list there is! This time, as I promised, I’ll be talking about some of my favorite Brazilian desserts. As a bit of a background, Brazilian desserts usually contain one or more of the following ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, powdered milk, and whipping cream (this is called “creme de leite” in Brazil; it has a bit of a different texture than the whipping cream we know here in the U.S.). In other words, Brazilians really love dairy in their desserts. Let’s get into the list!
Churros
Now, churros are a very well-known dessert. However, you’ll find different kinds depending on where you go; they can vary in dough and filling. I’ve personally never tasted better churros than the ones that are sold near my house in Brazil. But doesn’t everyone say that? I don’t know, there’s just something about that little churro shop on wheels near the town supermarket… there’s nothing else like it. Maybe this is nostalgia talking. Anyway, my personal favorite filling is doce de leite (shown in the picture). Doce de leite is sweetened condensed milk that has been cooked. You might know it as “dulce de leche” in the U.S., as it has become rather popular here over the last few years under the Spanish name. As with all things, however, there are major differences between Spanish dulce de leche and Brazilian doce de leite. In fact, there are even debates in Latin America about whose is better. But this is a discussion for another day!
Churros are hands-down the best street desserts out there. They are fried on the spot, so you’re always in for a fresh and warm treat. No matter what filling you choose, churros are crunchy (and cinnamon sugar-coated!) on the outside, and gooey on the inside due to the filling. There’s nothing cozier than eating a warm churro on a cold day.
2. Pudim de Leite Condensado (aka the original one)
There is no other Brazilian dessert that I’ve had more in my life. Although this looks like Spanish flan, I don’t think they are made the same way (don’t quote me on it). Since this is the original flavor, Brazilians usually just call this dessert “pudim.” Although churros can be homemade, pudim seems to be made at home more often. My mom makes a simple but very delicious version using a blender (Brazilians often make cakes and other desserts using a blender rather than a mixer or food processor). First, she caramelizes white sugar and pours it into a bundt pan; this is what forms the syrup and the darker part on top. Then, she places eggs, sweetened condensed milk, regular milk, and vanilla in a blender and mixes it up. Afterwards, she pours this mixture into the pan and bakes it in the oven for about an hour. Lastly, she lets it cool and leaves it in the refrigerator for several hours. Simple as that!
The texture of pudim is slightly similar to gelatin. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not at all like gelatin, I just can’t think of any other food textures that are even remotely close to that of pudim. Brazilians usually spoon the syrup that collects around the pudim over their own piece; you’ll often see servers doing so if you ever order pudim at Brazilian buffets. Since the caramelized part of pudim is the best part (everybody knows that), I always leave it for last.
3. Brigadeiros (original)
Out of all the desserts I mentioned today, this one is the “least sophisticated." Brazilians often make this on the fly when they’re craving something sweet. I’d argue that compared to buying them at restaurants, people make homemade brigadeiros more. In addition, this dessert is extremely popular in any kind of party hosted by Brazilians. The main ingredient is sweetened condensed milk (surprise, surprise), with the addition of cocoa and chocolate sprinkles. You’ll often see them in decorative liners (similar to cupcake liners but teenier). There are two ways to make them, with one method being easier than the other: you can cook sweetened condensed milk to make doce de leite and add cocoa, or you can just skip all that and buy a premade jar of the base. After either making or buying the base, all you have to do is roll it into several bite-sized balls and add sprinkles to them. Now you’ve got yourself some delicious brigadeiros!
Brigadeiros are chewy but not chewy at the same time… It’s hard to explain. It is a must to eat them using your fingers, but be careful, they could melt in your hands if you hold them for too long!
Thank you for checking out another one of my lists! I hope you enjoyed reading about some of my favorite Brazilian desserts. Stay tuned for another list I’ll be making about special Brazilian events!
Comentários