Carnival Foods: Rio Carnival, Brazil

Carnival Foods

It’s not Food Carnival! It’s Carnival Food!!
Carnivals are celebration of life, within the society of a particular place or group of people. In fact most of the carnivals are annual or seasonal in nature, but has the year long effect on culture, art, economy and sociology. And, religion, tradition, spirituality, cultural root and humanity play a major role behind the carnivals. But one thing that we often neglect to give focus, is – food. Rather to say, Carnival foods.

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Carnival Foods

Carnival Foods: Rio Carnival, Brazil

Carnival foods: Notting Hill Carnival, London

Carnival Foods: Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA

Carnival Foods: Goa Carnival Foods – Spices, Sausages & Sweet Traditions of Indo-Portuguese

 Carnivals are celebration of life, within the society of a particular place or group of people. In fact most of the carnivals are annual or seasonal in nature, but has the year long effect on culture, art, economy and sociology. And, religion, tradition, spirituality, cultural root and humanity play a major role behind the carnivals. But one thing that we often neglect to give focus, is – food. Rather to say, Carnival foods.

                Foods, as well as beverages are an integral part of life; no doubt, it will be more than filler in any carnival. Let us have some appetizing view of Carnival Foods.

Rio Carnival, Brazil

                Starting with the mother of all carnivals – Rio Carnival, Brazil. During Rio Carnival pastries, muffins, pies are found in a variety of shapes and fillings. Those can be either salty or sweet or extra-spicy; and can go on from fruits to fish, beef etc. Variety of grilled meats and sausages are found in abundance. But over all, three foods take the leads –

1.       Pao de queijo – it’s a small, baked cheese bun made from tapioca flour (cassava Starch) and cheese “Queijo Minas”.  It has a very cheesy-soft texture with a thin crisp crust.

2.       Acaraje’ – it’s a labour some preparation mainly with black eyed peas and shrimp. It’s a delicious Brazilian festival food described as Shrimp Fritters.

3.       Feijoada – usually served with rice and assorted sausage, it may termed as black bean and meat stews. Salted pork, pork trimmings, bacons, smoked beef sausages, jerky beef are stewed for hours with added vegetables.

4.       Not to miss the famous cocktail – Caipirinha; made with cachaҫa, sugar cane and lime, on the rocks.  In carnival, a large amount is made and then served to individuals.

It’s not Food Carnival! It’s Carnival Food!!