South America
Brazil:
There are many
staple ingredients in Briazilian foods. The list is long and as follows, beans,
cocunut, dend oil, dried schrimp lemon, dried salted-codfish, rice, and toasted
Manioc Meal.
South American Melting Pot:
"Brazilian cooking history is in every bite of the country's food. Native
Indians developed corn porridge, cassava meal, sweet potatoes, many roots,
hearts of palm, many species of game and fish, and the preservation of meats by
smoking and drying. In 1533, the Portuguese colonized
Brazil. After a lengthy Moorish occupation, Portugal had adapted a variety of
North African cooking traditions, among them coffee, dried fruits and pastries.
These culinary customs were in turn exported to Brazil, with the twist of being
prepared using local ingredients. The largest single influence on Brazilian
cuisine came with African slaves. Dende, peppers and coconut milk, staples of
West African cooking, became firmly established on the Brazilian
palate. During the Nineteenth Century, slavery ended and
an independent Brazil became a melting pot for immigrants from all over the
world. Waves of new arrivals from Asia, Western and Eastern Europe and the
Middle East brought kitchen traditions with them that put a truly eclectic spin
on Brazilian cuisine. The nation's multiethnic and multifaceted cooking is
always unique and delicious."
Argentina:
"Argentina's high-protein
cuisine is sometimes said to resemble European cuisine-particularly Italian,
Spanish and French varieties-rather than other Latin American gastronomy. This
is partially due to the country's great production of beef, which makes read meat a
common ingredient. Grilled meat, called parrilla, and beef ribs are particularly
common, but the Argentines do not let too much of the animal go to waste. Argentine cuisine is influenced by waves of
European immigration, particularly from Italy. You'll find many Italian
restaurants and pizzerias, plus heladerias, or ice-cream parlors, serving
Italian cuisine and gelatos . Argentina is known for its beef, and many meals
are based on substantial amounts of carne, but other foods are certainly
available. Lingering after an evening meal with a sobremesa is a customary time
for conversation.Soft drinks and fruit juices are
popular. As elsewhere, ask for b jugo puro, or jugo exprimido, for fresh
squeezed. Licuados, milky fruit shakes, are popular. Do try maté tea at least
once. Other tea is served black with lemon. Ask for té con leche if you want
milk in your tea. Hot chocolate is served at breakfast. Coffee is usually an
espresso."
Chilie:
"Chilean cuisine tends to the international,
plus wonderful seafood that forms the base of many favored dishes. Ethnic
restaurants abound in the cities. Vegetarian meals are
available. Soft drinks and juices are everywhere. The
licuados, fruity milk shakes, are good. Try moté con huesillo , a peach and
barley drink. Coffee is usually instant, but espresso is becoming popular. Tea
is served black with lemon. Herbal teas, aguitas, are popular
after dinner drinks. Try manzanilla, camomile, or a boldo .
Chilean wines are superb. Beer, pisco, aguardiente
and imported hard liquors are popular. Make sure you try a Pisco Sour, made with
egg white, lemon juice and powdered sugar. Try these Recipes from
Chile."