Vinagrete

This was the first Brazilian dish that i learned how to make. It is a simple garnish that is served at any barzinho, or bar & grill (pronounced "Bar-zeen-h-yo") or family churrasco, or bar-b-que (pronounced "Shoo-hah-scoe") here in Brazil.

Vinagrete (pronunciation: "Vee-nah-grd-etch") can be served in lieu of salad or atop lettuce, rice, mandioca - otherwise known as yuca root (pronounced "Mahn-djee-oh-kuh") - or served right next to a crisp drumstick or grilled steak.

I actually learned how to make this while back, in Texas. It was a welcome relief, as our own "Vinagrete" or Pico de Gallo (in Central Texas, anyway) had evolved in the past decade or so, to be nothing short of liquid fire - sans flavor. I looooove spicy food, if it is flavorful, but can't stand something that burns your mouth just for the sake of burning it - without a discernible tasty benefit. Vinagrete was just what the Dr. ordered.


Ingredients:
1 Medium White or Yellow Onion
2 Medium Tomatoes
1 Med-Large Green Pepper
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2-3 Tablespoons White Vinegar or Lime flavored Vinegar, if available (again, to taste... start with 2, and experiment - for me, more vinegar = tastier)
Garlic Salt to taste (you can use regular salt, but i get more rave reviews with garlic salt)
Black Pepper to taste (i make it with almost 1/2 a teaspoon)


* squeeze of lime, if you are so inclined. Some people add it, some don't. It's good both ways.

* 1 teaspoon of cilantro, finely chopped, is also optional.


Directions:
1. Dice the onion, tomatoes and green pepper into small cubes, all relatively the same size.

2. Combine in a bowl with the olive oil, vinegar, salt & pepper.

3. Pronto.



Hint: Vinagrete is best served chilled...



I hope you enjoy it.

Rice with Broccoli & Fried Garlic

I'm sure there are hundreds of thousands of ways to make rice - i've already learned about 10 new ways, here... but this is by far, the yummiest. You might just want to eat until you pop! Anything with fried garlic is good... on top of salads, pasta or pizza - why not in a sandwich, as well?

Here is a little recipe from a local restaurant that is quite popular, in these parts.

Ingredients:
4-5 Large Cloves Fresh Garlic, coarsely chopped
2-3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup Rice
½ cup Broccoli, finely chopped florets + stems
1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
2 cups Water

Directions:
1. Start by pouring the Olive Oil into the pan. You can use more or less, depending on the size of the pan.

2. Set the heat on medium to high.

3. Add the garlic, and fry for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. When the garlic turns a golden brown, remove from heat. Remove garlic from pan, leaving oil. Place garlic on a plate of paper towels, to remove excess oil. Set aside.

4. Return pan with oil to medium-high heat.

5. Add broccoli and garlic salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is visibly reduced in size.

6. Add the cup of rice. Sauté for another minute, stirring often.

7. Add one cup of water, and bring to a boil. Continue to stir, and add second cup of water.

8. When the mixture has reached a boil, place a lid over the pan, and reduce the temperature to low. Simmer for 20 minutes.

9. After the rice is cooked, mix in the fried garlic before serving.

Yum!

How About A Sweet Treat?

There is a delicious juice that is served here in central Brazil, made from pineapple and fresh mint. It is very easy to make, and is one of the most refreshing drinks I can think of, aside from good, sweet Texas Tea.

Suco de Abacaxi e Hortelã - Pinapple & Mint Juice

Ingredients:
1 Pineapple - chilled
15-20 Mint leaves
1 8oz. cup of ice chips
1 8oz. cup of water

Directions:
1. Grab a chilled, fresh pinapple and remove the spines.
2. Cut pinapple into large pieces, and place into blender.
3. Add mint leaves to pinapple.
4. Add cup of water.
5. Add ice chips.
6. If the pineapple isn't very sweet, add sweetener to taste.
7. Blend until smooth and frothy.

Pronto! It's ready. Depending on your preference for juice with pulp, or sans... you can strain out the pulp, or drink it with... It's good both ways.

Enjoy!