Biscoito de Queijo
A popular cheese biscuit, a signature item of Biscoito J. Pereira.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Biscoito J. Pereira
Biscoito de Queijo's history is tied to the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, known for its dairy production and simple, resourceful cuisine. The exact origins are unclear, but it likely emerged in the 18th century when cooks, often enslaved Africans or 'tropeiros' (cattle drivers), ingeniously combined readily available ingredients to create a satisfying and practical snack.
Biscoito de Queijo is deeply ingrained in Brazilian culture, particularly in Minas Gerais, where it is considered a staple food and a symbol of regional pride. It is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast item, a mid-afternoon snack, or served alongside coffee.
Mineiro Hospitality
Serving Biscoito de Queijo is a customary gesture of hospitality in Minas Gerais. Offering them to guests along with a cup of coffee is a sign of welcome and generosity.
Café da Manhã
Biscoito de Queijo is a quintessential part of the 'café da manhã' (breakfast) in Brazil, often consumed with coffee or milk. It's a quick, easy, and satisfying way to start the day.
Street Food and Bakeries
They are widely available in bakeries, cafes, and street food stalls throughout Brazil. Each establishment often boasts its own unique recipe and variations, adding to the diversity of the dish.
Biscoito de Queijo offers a delightful blend of cheesy, tangy, and slightly savory flavors with a unique texture. The tapioca flour contributes to its signature chewiness, while the cheese provides a rich and savory profile.
The primary flavor component comes from the queijo Minas, a fresh, mild Brazilian cheese. This cheese imparts a milky, slightly acidic flavor that complements the neutral taste of tapioca flour (polvilho azedo or polvilho doce). The addition of oil or butter contributes to the biscuit's richness. Salt is essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the cheese. Some recipes include eggs for binding and added richness. The resulting biscuit has a lightly browned exterior and a soft, chewy interior, offering a satisfying textural contrast.
Tapioca Flour Choice
Using a combination of 'polvilho azedo' (sour tapioca starch) and 'polvilho doce' (sweet tapioca starch) is key for the characteristic chewy texture. The sour starch contributes to the rise and chewiness, while the sweet starch provides a softer texture.
Cheese Quality
Using high-quality 'queijo Minas' will significantly impact the flavor. If unavailable, a blend of mozzarella and parmesan can be a suitable substitute, but aim for cheeses with similar moisture content.
Temperature Control
Allow the dough to cool slightly before shaping the biscuits. This will make them easier to handle and prevent them from spreading too much during baking. The oven temperature should be consistent for even baking.
Biscoito J. Pereira
Biscoito J. Pereira is a well-known brand that produces high-quality Biscoito de Queijo, the success may reside in sticking to traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients.
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