Broa facts for kids
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| Type | Cornbread |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Portugal, Galicia |
| Main ingredients | Cornmeal, wheat or rye flour, yeast |
Broa (pronounced like "BRO-ah") is a special kind of bread. It's often made with cornmeal and rye or wheat flour. This traditional bread is popular in countries like Portugal, Galicia (a region in Spain), Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Brazil.
What makes broa special is that it uses yeast to make it rise. This is different from some breads that use baking powder or baking soda. In Brazil, broa is often similar to cornbread and can be flavored with fennel.
What Does the Name "Broa" Mean?
The name "broa" has old roots! It comes from a very old language, either Gothic or Suebian. In those languages, the word brauth simply meant "bread."
Broa in Portugal
In Portugal, a popular type is called broa de milho. This means "corn broa." It's a yeast bread with a rustic flavor and texture. It's often eaten with soups, especially a famous Portuguese soup called caldo verde. This soup is made with tender kale, potatoes, and chouriço sausages. Broa de milho is so special that it's listed on the Ark of Taste, which is a list of unique foods from around the world that are worth protecting.
Broa in Other Countries
While broa is a type of cornbread in Portugal and Galicia, the name can mean different things elsewhere:
- In the Philippines, broa (or broas) usually refers to ladyfingers. These are light, sweet sponge cakes shaped like large fingers.
- In Guyana, broas are a type of sugar cookies or biscuits. They are often flavored with lime, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
