Brazilian Stroganoff

Brazilian Stroganoff Recipe | Authentic Recipe from Brazil

Region / culture: Brazil | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Brazilian Stroganoff, a delightful twist on the traditional Russian dish, has become a beloved comfort food in Brazil and around the world. This version, featuring chicken as the main protein, is a creamy, savory dish that perfectly blends the richness of heavy cream with the tanginess of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Served over rice or with potato sticks, it's a versatile meal that suits a variety of dining occasions.

History

The original Beef Stroganoff hails from Russia, dating back to the 19th century. However, the Brazilian adaptation emerged in the mid-20th century, incorporating local ingredients and preferences. Over time, chicken and even shrimp versions became popular in Brazil, making it a staple dish in Brazilian cuisine. The addition of ketchup and heavy cream, instead of the traditional sour cream, gives this version its unique flavor profile.

Ingredients

2-4 lb (1.81 kg) steak or chicken
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium white onion, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp heavy cream
4 tbsp ketchup
3 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 cup sliced mushrooms
Serve over white rice, steamed with onion.

How to prepare

Cut the meat into 1-inch pieces.
Put the meat into a bowl and mix it with garlic, half of the onion, and salt.
Allow the meat to marinate for 1 hour.
Sauté the remaining onion with a bit of oil.
Add the meat and marinade to the pan and cook.
Stir in catsup and mustard.
When ready to eat, add cream and let it cook for one minute.
Finally, add mushrooms at the end.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a low-sodium soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with tofu or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best Brazilian Stroganoff, use high-quality chicken and fresh mushrooms. Marinating the chicken as instructed ensures it absorbs the flavors fully. When cooking, keep the heat at a medium level to avoid overcooking the chicken. Adding the cream at the end of cooking helps maintain its richness without curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Brazilian Stroganoff over a bed of fluffy white rice or with traditional potato sticks for a crunch. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the richness of the dish well.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions and chicken pieces on medium heat ensures they are cooked through without burning. Adding the cream at the end and cooking on low heat prevents the sauce from separating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If heavy cream is not available, a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour can work as a substitute. For a gluten-free version, ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or use tamari sauce instead.

Make Ahead Tips

The chicken can be marinated up to a day in advance, which enhances the flavor. The entire dish can also be cooked ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serving it in a deep dish highlights the creamy sauce, making it an inviting meal.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory flavors of Brazilian Stroganoff. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime complements the dish well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Brazilian Stroganoff contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a hearty meal that can fit into a balanced diet when served with a side of vegetables or a light salad.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Brazilian Stroganoff contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the onions and mushrooms, with a small amount contributed by the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.

Fats

This dish is relatively high in fats due to the heavy cream and the natural fat content of the chicken. A serving contains about 18g of fat, with 10g being saturated fat. Using a lighter cream can reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Brazilian Stroganoff is an excellent source of protein, providing about 35g per serving. This high protein content makes it a satisfying meal that supports muscle maintenance and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

The dish provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A from the cream, B vitamins from the chicken, and selenium and potassium from the mushrooms. It's also a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (from the heavy cream) and gluten (from Worcestershire sauce, which may contain malt vinegar). Always check labels for allergen information.

Summary

Overall, Brazilian Stroganoff is a rich, comforting dish. While it's high in protein and provides various nutrients, it's also relatively high in fats and calories. Enjoying it in moderation as part of a balanced diet is recommended.

Summary

Brazilian Stroganoff is a rich, comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. While it's a hearty meal on its own, serving it with rice or vegetables makes it a balanced option. With its high protein content and array of nutrients, it's a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in moderation. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the variations, it's sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Brazilian Stroganoff. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and I would often spend hours watching her as she whipped up delicious meals with ease.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table flipping through an old cookbook, my grandmother came over and sat beside me. She pointed to a page that had a recipe for Brazilian Stroganoff. I had never heard of such a dish before, but my grandmother assured me that it was a family favorite and a must-try.

As she began to explain the ingredients and steps involved in making the dish, I could see the passion and excitement in her eyes. She told me that she had learned this recipe from a dear friend who had traveled to Brazil and brought back the flavors of the country with her.

My grandmother’s friend had taught her how to make the traditional Brazilian Stroganoff, which was a creamy and savory dish made with tender strips of beef, mushrooms, onions, and a rich sauce made with sour cream and tomato paste. It sounded absolutely delicious, and I couldn’t wait to try it for myself.

With my grandmother’s guidance, I set out to make the Brazilian Stroganoff for the first time. I carefully followed each step, from browning the beef to sautéing the onions and mushrooms, and finally adding in the creamy sauce. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I knew I was on the right track.

As the dish simmered on the stove, my grandmother and I sat at the table, eagerly anticipating the moment when we would finally get to taste the fruits of our labor. When the time came to serve the Brazilian Stroganoff, we both took a bite and were immediately transported to a world of flavors and textures that we had never experienced before.

The dish was a symphony of savory and creamy goodness, with the tender beef perfectly complemented by the earthy mushrooms and tangy sauce. It was a revelation, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire for years to come.

From that day on, I made Brazilian Stroganoff whenever I wanted to impress my family and friends with a delicious and exotic dish. I shared the recipe with anyone who would listen, and soon it became a beloved favorite among my loved ones.

As I grew older and continued to hone my culinary skills, I added my own twist to the traditional Brazilian Stroganoff recipe. I experimented with different spices and herbs, and even tried using different cuts of meat to see how it would affect the overall flavor of the dish.

But no matter how many variations I tried, the essence of the Brazilian Stroganoff remained the same – a comforting and delicious meal that never failed to bring a smile to the faces of those who enjoyed it.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to the next generation, I do so with a heart full of memories and a kitchen filled with the aromas of my past. I hope that my grandchildren will carry on the tradition of making Brazilian Stroganoff with the same love and passion that I have, and that they will create new memories and stories of their own around the dinner table.

And so, as I sit here reminiscing about the first time I saw this recipe for Brazilian Stroganoff, I can’t help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that it has taken me on. It has been a source of joy and connection for me and my family, and I know that it will continue to be a beloved tradition for years to come.