Top 5 Pernambucan Foods

Bolo de rolo is a traditional dessert with origins in the state of Pernambuco. This rolled guava cake is similar to a jelly roll cake or a Swiss roll; however, its preparation is much more complicated. It incorporates many delicate and thin sponge layers which are connected to form a giant sheet, spread with a layer of sweet guava jam, then rolled into a log. The most elaborate varieties of bolo de rolo can have up to twenty layers of sponge, which results in an unusual decorative spiral. Because of the intricate and time-consuming preparation, it is rarely made at home and can usually be found in pastry shops and supermarkets around Brazil. It is usually served sliced, to showcase the number of meticulously created jelly spirals. To balance the sweetness, slices of bolo de rolo are often served with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.Expand

Arrumadinho is a complex Brazilian dish that is usually served as an appetizer. The dish is a combination of four elements that are neatly organized and served together as a complete meal. The essential parts are sliced, sun-dried beef, diced and mixed vegetable vinaigrette, beans, typically black eyed peas, and farofa – a toasted cassava flour mixture. All of the ingredients are seasoned with clarified butter, neatly arranged and served on a plate. The four elements of arrumadinho can either be mixed or consumed as individual dishes. A plate of arrumadinho is usually shared by a couple or a group of people, typically followed by a glass of cold beer or a freshly prepared caipirinha. The dish can usually be found in the northeast of Brazil, more precisely in the state of Pernambuco, where it is believed to have originated. It is often sold at food stands as a snack, but it is also commonly served as an appetizer in elegant restaurants.Expand

Cartola is a traditional dessert originating from Pernambuco, but popular across the country – it can be found both in restaurants and home kitchens. The name of the dish means top hat. It's made with sweetened and fried bananas in combination with cheese. The cheese should brown and bubble, but not melt, so queijo coalho cheese is most often used for this dish. In texture, it's like a firm feta, but without the saltiness in flavor. The bananas are cut lengthwise, then fried in butter, while the cheese is sprinkled with a combination of sugar and cinnamon before it's heated through. When served, the cheese goes on top of the bananas, and it's recommended to accompany the dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.Expand

Brazilian hard biscuits known as tarecos are simple cookies consisting of wheat or corn flour, eggs, vanilla, and sugar. They originated in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, but have since spread and gained popularity throughout Brazil so much that a Brazilian singer Flávio José titled one of his songs Tareco e Mariola.Expand

Despite its name, which translates to rooster’s head, cabeça de galo doesn’t contain any meat. It is a nourishing soup with a thick texture, made with a combination of manioc flour, eggs, water, and vegetables such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers. This delicacy is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and annatto, while coriander is used as a garnish after the soup has been cooked. In Brazil, it is well known as a great hangover cure, so it is often consumed after a night of heavy drinking.Expand