Espeto de Queijo Coalho
Grilled coalho cheese skewer, a traditional Brazilian cheese.
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.
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Espettos Gourmet
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The origins of Espeto de Queijo Coalho are tied to the nomadic lifestyle of cattle ranchers in northeastern Brazil (especially the states of Minas Gerais, Ceará, and Paraíba). They needed a cheese that could withstand the heat and not melt easily when cooked over an open fire. This led to the creation of Queijo Coalho and its popularization as a grilled skewer.
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Espeto de Queijo Coalho is deeply ingrained in Brazilian beach culture and is also a popular street food and churrasco (barbecue) staple. It represents a casual, social dining experience.
Beach Culture
Along Brazilian beaches, vendors commonly walk along the shore selling freshly grilled Espeto de Queijo Coalho. It's a quick, tasty snack enjoyed while relaxing by the ocean.
Churrasco (Barbecue)
Espeto de Queijo Coalho is a frequent offering at Brazilian churrascos. It provides a vegetarian option amongst the various grilled meats and offers a contrasting texture and flavor.
Street Food
It's widely available as street food, especially in tourist areas and near beaches. Its portability and ease of preparation make it an ideal option.
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Espeto de Queijo Coalho offers a simple yet satisfying combination of salty, slightly tangy cheese with a smoky grilled flavor.
The main flavor is the salty and slightly acidic taste of the Queijo Coalho itself. When grilled, the cheese develops a slightly crispy exterior and a warm, chewy interior. The grilling process imparts a smoky flavor that complements the cheese perfectly. Sometimes, a drizzle of melado de cana (sugar cane molasses) is added for a touch of sweetness, or it is sometimes seasoned with oregano and other regional herbs for added depth of flavor.
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Choosing the Right Cheese
Ensure you are using genuine Queijo Coalho. It should be firm and squeaky, resisting melting easily. Look for cheese made with pasteurized milk for safety and a consistent flavor.
Grilling Technique
Use medium heat to grill the skewers. Turn them frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The goal is to get a slightly crispy exterior and a warm, melty interior without completely melting the cheese.
Adding Flavor
Before grilling, consider brushing the cheese with olive oil or sprinkling it with oregano, chili flakes, or other herbs. A drizzle of melado de cana (sugar cane molasses) after grilling is also a delicious addition.
Soaking the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
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