Chef teaches recipes to enjoy Carnival with flavor and practicality

Credits: Freepik

São Paulo, February 2024 – Carnival stands out as one of the most anticipated events in the country. There are parties for all tastes, from watching parades in the sambadromes to joining the street blocos. And to ensure a smooth experience, it is very important to stay well-nourished and hydrated, avoiding setbacks away from home.

A tip for these occasions is to choose snacks that provide more satiety and energy, with ingredients rich in glutamate. The amino acid responsible for providing umami, the fifth basic taste of the human palate, is present in everyday foods such as tomato, pea, garlic, corn, potato, carrot, mushrooms, and aged cheeses.

The Umami Committee’s chef, Lisiane Miura, highlights that umami snacks can be an excellent option for party days. “Sandwiches and pies are great examples of easy-to-make dishes that, when prepared with umami-rich ingredients, provide satiety thanks to the natural presence of glutamate,” says the chef.

The expert shared the recipes for a delicious homemade mini burger and a tasty quesadilla, which can be eaten before or after the festivities. Check out the step-by-step below:

HOMEMADE MINI BURGER
Preparation time: 40 minutes (+ 15 minutes in the refrigerator)
Serves: 4 portions

Credits: Umami Committee

Ingredients

• 400 g ground beef (patinho)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (16 g)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (5 g)
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (10 ml)

• 1 clove garlic, chopped (3 g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
• 1 pinch nutmeg (0.02 g)
• 1 tablespoon oil (15 ml)
• 4 slices prato cheese, cut in half (80 g)
• 8 mini burger buns, halved (160 g)
• 2 pickles, thinly sliced (20 g)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, place the beef, chia, parsley, olive oil, garlic, salt, and nutmeg, and mix until uniform.
2. Divide into 8 equal portions and shape into mini burgers about 8 cm in diameter. Place them on a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3. In a medium nonstick skillet, place the oil and heat over high heat. Add the burgers in batches and fry for 3 minutes, or until browned on the bottom. Flip, place the cheese slices on top, cover, and cook for 3 more minutes, or until the cheese melts. Remove and keep warm.
4. Assembly: on the base of each bun, place the burgers and top with pickle slices. Cover with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Tip: If desired, serve with the buns of your choice.

QUESADILLA WITH CHEESE, LETTUCE, AND TOMATO
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Serves: 1 portion

Credits: Umami Committee

Ingredients

• 1 wheat tortilla (15 g)
• ½ cup grated mozzarella (50 g)
• 1 chopped iceberg lettuce leaf (20 g)
• 1 small tomato, seeded and chopped (100 g)
• 1 pinch salt (0.4 g)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (5 ml)

Directions

1. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the tortilla and heat for 1 minute, or until warm.
2. Flip, and on top distribute the cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Season with salt and olive oil, and fold in half. Cook for 1 more minute, or until melted.
3. Remove from heat and serve hot.

UMAMI

It is the fifth basic taste of the human palate, discovered in 1908 by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda. It was scientifically recognized in the year 2000, when researchers at the University of Miami confirmed the existence of specific receptors for this taste in the taste buds. The amino acid glutamic acid and the nucleotides inosinate and guanylate are the main umami substances. The two main characteristics of umami are the increase in salivation and the continuity of the taste for a few minutes after food ingestion. To learn more, visit www.portalumami.com.br.