Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Brazil with our featured recipe – Cuscuz Paulista. This traditional dish is a beloved part of Brazilian cuisine, specifically hailing from the state of São Paulo. Cuscuz Paulista is a savory and satisfying dish that showcases the rich cultural tapestry of Brazil, blending indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences into a harmonious symphony of taste.

Intricately woven with history and tradition, Cuscuz Paulista is a versatile dish, often enjoyed during festive gatherings, family celebrations, or as a comforting meal for everyday enjoyment. The combination of flavorful ingredients, unique cooking techniques, and the love poured into its preparation makes this dish a true representation of Brazilian culinary excellence.

Join us as we delve into the art of crafting Cuscuz Paulista, unlocking the secrets to its delightful taste and providing you with a step-by-step guide to recreate this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen. Immerse yourself in the warmth of Brazilian hospitality and discover the joy of savoring a plate filled with the heart and soul of São Paulo.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fine couscous
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/2 cup sliced green olives
• 1/2 cup chopped ham
• 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup cooked shrimp
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 cup raisins
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Couscous:

1-In a large bowl, combine the couscous with boiling water.

2-Cover the bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the couscous absorbs the water.

3-Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.

Sauté Aromatics:

1-In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2-Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

Build the Flavor Base:

1-Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.

2-Add green peas, sliced olives, and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

Incorporate Proteins:

1-Introduce chopped ham, shredded chicken, and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

2-Let the proteins absorb the flavors for 5 minutes.

Add Texture and Sweetness:Mix in corn kernels and raisins. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Combine with Couscous:Transfer the prepared couscous to the skillet, gently folding it into the flavorful mixture. Ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

Steam and Set:Cover the skillet and let it steam on low heat for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the couscous to absorb the savory essence.

Serve and Garnish:

1-Once fully cooked, uncover the skillet and give the Cuscuz Paulista a final gentle toss.

2-Plate the dish, garnishing with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

Enjoy:

Serve your Cuscuz Paulista hot, embracing the delightful medley of textures and tastes that make this Brazilian dish an absolute delight for the senses.

This Cuscuz Paulista recipe captures the essence of Brazilian gastronomy, blending diverse flavors into a harmonious celebration of culture and cuisine. Bom apetite!

Nutritional Values:

It's challenging to provide exact nutritional values without specific brands and sizes of ingredients, but here's a general estimate based on common nutritional information:

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, assuming 6 servings):

Fine Couscous (2 cups):

• Calories: 340
• Carbohydrates: 72g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Rich in complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Contains some protein and fiber, aiding in digestion.

Water (1.5 cups):

• No significant nutritional value

benefits: Essential for hydration and overall bodily functions.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Provides healthy monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.
• Contains antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Onion (1 medium, finely chopped):

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Packed with antioxidants that may help combat oxidative stress.
• Contains vitamins and minerals, supporting immune health.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 10
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Known for potential antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May contribute to heart health and help regulate blood pressure.

Tomato Sauce (1 cup):

• Calories: 90
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant associated with various health benefits.
• Contains vitamins C and A, supporting immune and vision health.

Diced Tomatoes (1 cup):

• Calories: 30
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Low in calories and high in antioxidants.
• Good source of vitamins C and K, promoting skin and bone health.

Green Peas (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 30
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Excellent source of plant-based protein.
• High in fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

Sliced Green Olives (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 70
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Provides healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Chopped Ham (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of protein and essential amino acids.
• Contains vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins and zinc.

Cooked Shredded Chicken (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• High-quality protein for muscle repair and maintenance.
• Rich in vitamins B6 and B12, supporting metabolism and energy production.

Cooked Shrimp (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 100
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Low in calories and high in protein.
• Good source of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.

Corn Kernels (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 60
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Provides fiber for digestive health.
• Contains vitamins, including folate and niacin.

Raisins (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 100
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Natural sweetness with fiber for digestive health.
• Contains iron and potassium, supporting blood and heart health.

Salt and Pepper:

• Negligible caloric content

benefits: Adds flavor to the dish but should be consumed in moderation.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish):

• Negligible caloric content

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.