In Brazil, there’s hardly a better treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee in the afternoon (café da tarde) than the classic pastry known as cueca virada. This delicious sweet, also known as “orelha de gato” or “angel wing” in other parts of the world including Italy (culinária italiana), is a simple yet delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, but is particularly popular during the holiday season and new year (ano novo) celebrations.
A Brief Introduction to Cueca Virada
Cueca virada, literally translated as ‘turned underwear’, has an interesting name but an even more interesting taste. This pastry, known as calzones rotos in Chile and angel wings in the English-speaking world, is a crispy, sugary delight that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it.
The Tradition of Cueca Virada
Like many pastries around the world (redor do mundo), cueca virada has its own unique traditions. In some regions, the color of the cueca (cor da cueca) you eat, such as cuecas amarelas (yellow underwear), is said to bring good luck (boa sorte) in the coming year (próximo ano). Although this is a fun tradition, it’s safe to say that any color of cueca virada is sure to bring delight to your taste buds!
The Making of Cueca Virada
The recipe for cueca virada (receita de cueca) starts with simple ingredients like flour (farinha de trigo), a pinch of salt (pitada de sal), and warm milk (ml de leite morno). The dough is then cut into strips and twisted in the middle (meio de cada tira), resembling the shape of twisted underwear, hence the name. The pastries are then deep-fried in hot oil (óleo quente) until they become a crispy, golden brown.
Finishing Touches to the Cueca Virada
Once the cueca virada pastries are fried to perfection, they’re immediately placed on absorbent paper (papel absorvente) to remove any excess oil. They’re then dusted with a generous amount of sugar, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the already delicious pastry. The end result? A crunchy, sweet treat that’s absolutely irresistible.
Enjoying Cueca Virada
The best time to enjoy cueca virada is right after they’re made, when the pastry is still warm and the sugar hasn’t had a chance to melt. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack with coffee, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Just be warned – they can be addictive!
Share Your Cueca Virada Experience
Whether you’re making cueca virada for the first time or you’re an experienced baker, we’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and stories on social media (redes sociais), and don’t forget to tag us so we can see your delicious creations!
Looking Forward to the New Year with Cueca Virada
As we approach the turn of the year (virada do ano), many of us are looking forward to continuing or starting new traditions. Whether that involves baking cueca virada, wearing yellow underwear for good luck, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, we hope that your traditions bring you joy and prosperity in the coming year.
Remember to always follow the terms of use and privacy policy when sharing your creations on social media. And most importantly, enjoy your cueca virada and have a very happy New Year!
Now that you know all about cueca virada, why not try making some yourself? Follow our easy recipe (modo de preparo), and enjoy this delicious treat. And remember, whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, the most important ingredient is always love. Happy cooking and bon appétit (bom apetite)!
Delicious Cueca Virada (Twist Knickers): A Traditional Brazilian Delight Recipe
Today, we're going to explore a traditional delicacy from the beautiful country of Brazil, known as Cueca Virada, also referred to as 'Virado a Paulista' or 'Twist Knickers.' This sweet, crunchy, and satisfying dessert is typically enjoyed during the Festa Junina (June Festival) but is also perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 3 Eggs
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- Zest of One Lemon
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- A Pinch of Salt
- Sunflower Oil for Frying
- Powdered Sugar for Garnishing
Instructions
- Start by whisking the eggs in a large bowl until they become foamy.
- Add the sugar into the bowl and continue whisking until the mixture becomes creamy.
- Stir in the butter, followed by the lemon zest. Mix well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture gradually into the wet mixture while stirring continuously to form a smooth dough.
- Once the dough is formed, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes or until it becomes elastic and smooth.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to about a 1/4 inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into rectangles or any shape you prefer.
- Heat the sunflower oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the cut pieces of dough into the hot oil. Fry each piece until it's golden brown on both sides. This should take about 2 minutes on each side.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pieces from the oil, allowing excess oil to drain off. Place them on a paper towel to absorb any remaining oil.
- Once all pieces are fried and drained, sprinkle them liberally with powdered sugar.
- Serve your Cueca Virada warm or at room temperature, and enjoy a crunchy, sweet bite of Brazilian culture!
Notes
This Cueca Virada recipe is a delicious journey into Brazilian cuisine that is sure to impress your family and friends. Its uniquely sweet, tangy flavor and satisfying crunch make it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Don't forget to pair it with a strong cup of Brazilian coffee for an authentic experience!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 250Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 150mgCarbohydrates: 35gNet Carbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 15gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 5g