Poverty is also quite prevalent. I am often daunted by the views, peering through the windows of my airport bus, as it maneuvers through winding roads to the busy streets of Rio. It is almost like seeing two different worlds inside of an hour before one has reached Copacabana. While in Brazil, I love to take notes on the foods I see at the markets as well as the foods I eat for the first time in the restaurants. I have a warm place in my heart for Brazil, for its rich diverse culture, its people and its food. Brazilians are known to cook with many flavor profiles. The blend of Africa, South America and other countries is evident in their dishes.
After a recent trip to the country, I set out to cook Feijoada (pronounced “fay-joe-ah da”) for the first time. It is the National dish of Brazil, a black bean stew made with turtle beans and pork. It is said to have originated with African slaves. After researching this dish and talking with my Brazilian friends, I realized that this dish was going to take a lot of pork. If you’re not crazy about pork, you may substitute dark turkey meat for pork. Just don’t tell ‘em I told you to do it! I will share recipes with you later. Let’s continue exploring. As my bus ride continues, the famous statue, known as Christ the Redeemer juts out of the landscape. From my bus window, I must literally tip my head all the way back to see it. It is perched on top of the highest peak, called Corcovado Mountain. The reinforced concrete statue is ninety-eight feet wide and 120 feet tall. It is a cross shaped image of Christ with His arms outstretched and has been named one of the seven new wonders of the world. I can see why. If you make it to the Tijuca National forest, where it is situated, you can actually get a closer look. I can still remember the first time I saw the statue. I looked up and happened to see a hand gently shrouded in the clouds, as I sat up to take notice, the cloud seemed to whisk away with a breeze revealing the image in its entirety to me. I can still recall the song that was playing on my iPod; it was “Overshadow Me” by Mary Allessi. Talk about a defining moment. His arms outstretched seem to offer grace and declare abundance.
As we make our way into Copacabana and the beach, the view changes considerably. There are people walking to and fro, catching buses, street vendors selling their wares and foods, children shining shoes, and busy outdoor markets. One day, I actually saw an extensive art exhibit put on by the Leuve from Paris. On any given day, one can see anything on the wavy black and white patterned promenade, which lines Copacabana beach. The city of Rio de Janeiro is bustling with activity and it’s infectious! By the time I reach my hotel, I have truly encountered many different worlds. A one-hour bus ride has awakened my senses and I recall my philosophy on food. Food makes us more open to each other. In essence, it is the meeting place that stimulates our connection. I am prompted to get out and explore some food. I call this my food odyssey! Yet with a paradox of rich and poor so visible in a city like Rio, we sometimes forget that food is not always plentiful in some places. This makes me cherish everything I am exposed to, whether my palette enjoys it or not. One of the things my palette craves upon arrival is my first glass of coconut water or fresh squeezed “maracuja” (passion flower) at the “succo” (juice) bar. Amazing food follows.
I invite you to take a scrumptious journey to Brazil in your own home with some of my favorite recipes. May it find you dreaming of samba, ocean breezes, open markets, delicious tropical fruit drinks, rich food with exotic flavors and more importantly, may the food journey take you to a higher altitude. Location = where Brazilian angels live! Until then, make sure nobody goes hungry.