From Baklava to Brigadeiro: Five Brazilian and Turkish desserts everybody should try

livsrodrigues1

1 day ago

Although Brazil and Türkiye are on different continents, have different languages, and different traditions, their love for guests and hospitality brings their cultures together. Offering something sweet to visitors is not only a symbol of hospitality but also a way to make people feel a part of their world.

If you have a sweet tooth, here are five desserts that everybody should try.

Brigadeiro

If Brazilian cuisine comes to mind, brigadeiro is one of the first words that you think of. One of the easiest desserts to prepare and impossible to have just one. In its original recipe, brigadeiro requires only three ingredients: condensed milk, butter, and cocoa or chocolate powder. After mixing all the ingredients, cook on low heat until it thickens. Then let it cool, roll it into bite-size balls and coat them in chocolate sprinkles. Many locals grew up eating brigadeiro at birthday parties, and it has a sentimental value for almost the whole nation.

Baklava

Known as the signature dessert of Türkiye, baklava is one of the stars of Turkish cuisine. Made of a paper-thin pastry soaked in sugary sticky syrup and with crushed pistachios and walnuts, it can be served in numerous situations, from a simple family gathering with some Turkish coffee to religious holidays, such as Ramadan. Make no mistake, initially baklava might sound easy to prepare, but the quality of ingredients and patience while preparing play an important role in the making process and final taste. Türkiye is a place with so many dessert lovers, and this dessert is definitely at the top of their list.

Arroz Doce & Sütlaç

A surprise you may encounter when learning more about Brazil and Türkiye is discovering that both places have this delicious treat in their cuisine. Arroz doce or sütlaç may look like just a simple rice pudding, but there is much more to it. Made with rice, milk, and sugar or condensed milk, the only difference is about the preparation. While sütlaç is baked in the oven to caramelize the top, in arroz doce we just sprinkle some cinnamon powder on top. Rice pudding has been around for many centuries and is a delicious and nurturing dessert to try, whether it is the Brazilian or Turkish version.

Mousse de Maracujá

Brazilians love sweet desserts, but there is also room for tropical, fresh recipes, Mousse de Maracujá being one of them. Mousse is a traditional light and creamy dessert in Brazil, and it can have many different flavours, such as passion fruit, strawberry, or coconut, to chocolate. If you want to make some mousse de maracujá, you will need only three ingredients: condensed milk, heavy cream, and passion fruit juice. It is light, fresh, and extremely easy to make. That’s what makes it so beloved among Brazilians.

Lokma & Bolinho de Chuva

Finally, another beloved dessert from both countries shares similarities. Lokma and bolinho de chuva are fried-dough treats. Lokma are fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup. Bolinho de chuva is also a fried dough ball treat, but instead of syrup, Brazilians coat it with a cinnamon-and-sugar powder. Both desserts are heavily associated with family gatherings. The only difference is that Turkish people usually serve lokma during religious ceremonies or holidays and in memory of loved ones. Bolinho de chuva, on the other hand, is a homemade treat, usually prepared by grandparents during rainy days.

With a simple bom apetite or afiyet olsun, Brazil and Türkiye will leave your stomach not only full of delicious food but also joy. Enjoy your meal.