Minas Gerais Cuisine: Chef Explains What Makes the Region’s Dishes So Flavorful

June 2021 – The month of June is home to one of the most popular events in Brazilian culture: the Festa Junina. This traditional celebration is famous for bringing together music, dances, colorful decorations, and plenty of delicious food.

For those who want to recreate a festive atmosphere at home, nutritionist from the Umami Committee, Mariana Rosa, shared an easy and delicious recipe for paçoca. “One of the biggest attractions of Festa Junina is that many dishes can be prepared at home, in a simple way and without spending much,” she comments.

In both sweet and savory recipes, peanuts are a versatile and popular ingredient in these traditional treats. “The good news is that peanuts, besides being very tasty—also providing the umami taste—are a healthy nut due to their high content of magnesium (49 g) and potassium (210 g), in addition to being rich in calcium, iron, omega-3, and fiber,” explains Mariana.

Recipe: Paçoca

Ingredients

• 500 g roasted, skinless peanuts
• 1 cup sugar (150 g)
• ½ cup yellow cornmeal (100 g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons melted butter (60 g)

Preparation Method
In a food processor, place the peanuts, sugar, cornmeal, salt, and butter, a little at a time, and process for 2 minutes, or until it becomes a moist crumb.
Transfer to individual cups and serve immediately.

Tip: This recipe does not yield the same results if prepared in a blender.

Umami

Umami is the fifth basic taste of the human palate, discovered in 1908 by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda. It was scientifically recognized in 2000, when researchers at the University of Miami confirmed the existence of specific receptors for this taste on the taste buds. The amino acid glutamic acid and the nucleotides inosinate and guanylate are the main umami substances. Its two main characteristics are the increase in salivation and the lingering taste that lasts for several minutes after eating. Learn more at www.portalumami.com.br.