Parmegiana
Breaded steak topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. Usually served with rice and fries.
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.
Giraffas São Bento do Sul
While "Parmigiana" is an Italian dish, the breaded steak version with tomato sauce and melted cheese, commonly served with rice and fries, is heavily influenced by Italian immigration to Brazil. The dish likely evolved from classic Italian dishes like Melanzane alla Parmigiana (eggplant parmigiana) and combined with Brazilian culinary preferences for beef and hearty sides.
Parmegiana is a popular comfort food in Brazil, often enjoyed as a family meal or at casual restaurants. It represents a fusion of cultures, blending Italian culinary traditions with Brazilian tastes and dining habits.
Family Favorite
Parmegiana is often prepared at home for family dinners, emphasizing sharing and togetherness. The large portion size is characteristic of Brazilian cuisine.
Restaurant Staple
It's a common dish found in many Brazilian restaurants, from casual 'botecos' to more upscale establishments. It's often a go-to choice for a satisfying and familiar meal.
Fusion Cuisine
The dish exemplifies the blending of Italian and Brazilian culinary traditions, demonstrating how immigration and cultural exchange have shaped Brazilian gastronomy.
Parmegiana offers a rich and savory flavor profile, blending the textures of crispy breaded steak with the tanginess of tomato sauce and the creamy indulgence of melted cheese.
The primary flavor comes from the fried, breaded steak, usually beef. This provides a satisfying, meaty base. The tomato sauce, seasoned with herbs like oregano and garlic, adds acidity and sweetness. The melted cheese, typically mozzarella or provolone, contributes a creamy, slightly salty counterpoint. The rice offers a neutral, starchy element, while the fries provide an additional salty, crispy component.
Beef Quality
Use a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or top round, and pound it thinly to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
Breadcrumb Seasoning
Season the breadcrumbs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs for a flavorful crust.
Homemade Tomato Sauce
Making your own tomato sauce from scratch will significantly enhance the flavor. Use ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and simmer for a rich and complex taste.
Cheese Selection
A combination of mozzarella and provolone cheeses provides a good balance of melt and flavor. Use high-quality cheese for the best results.
Crispy Breading
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to get crispy breading. Let the breaded steak rest a little before adding the tomato sauce and cheese, to keep the breading crisp.
Explore additional Brazilian comfort food dishes and restaurants
Explore Brazilian comfort foodDiscover top dining spots and culinary experiences in São Bento do Sul.
Explore São Bento do SulLearn more about the food culture, restaurant scene, and culinary heritage of Brazil.
Explore Brazil