Churrasco is a traditional Brazilian cooking style originating from the south of Brazil. It consists of a variety of meats and vegetables grilled over an open fire, typically cooked over charcoal or an open flame.
Churrasco is not just for meat lovers! Vegetarians can enjoy it, too, with grilled items like portobello mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini, and other seasonal vegetables.
The churrasco concept is often served as a buffet-style or serve-yourself event, with toppings like salsa or chimichurri sauce available to enhance the flavor.
The traditional way to cook Churrasco is to salt the meat before grilling simply, but many grilling techniques have been developed over the years, including marinating or a dry rub.
Churrasco is often served with rice, beans, french fries, and side dishes like garlic-flavored farofa.
The Brazilian picanha, or rump steak, is a popular cut of meat for Churrasco, and the churrasco spice blend is a mixture of garlic, cumin, oregano, and paprika.
Skilled BBQ chefs can often be seen with a long metal spider-like implement called a "garrão" to manage their cuts of meat.
Brazilian Churrasco is much more than a dinner dish - it's also a cultural tradition, with special events and bigger BBQs often happening on weekends and holidays.
Special skewer tools called espetos are used to hold larger cuts of meat during grilling.
A churrasco dinner experience is only complete with a caipirinha, Brazil's signature cocktail.
Churrasco is often served with a traditional Brazilian dinner salad of lettuce and tomatoes, but don't forget to try the pão de queijo, Brazilian cheese bread.
