Churrasqueira facts for kids
A churrasqueira (say "shoo-rah-SKEH-rah") is a special cooking device used to make delicious barbecue, especially in Brazil. Think of it as a fancy grill! It's where people cook churrasco, which is the Portuguese word for barbecue.
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What is a Churrasqueira?
A churrasqueira is basically any setup or machine designed for cooking churrasco. It usually has a grill or a metal grate where food is placed. Sometimes, it's a big, permanent structure built into a house. Other times, it's a small, portable grill you can take anywhere.
Brazilian Churrasqueiras
In Brazil, a churrasqueira is often a brick structure. It looks like a tall fireplace with a cooking area in the middle. These are perfect for cooking many types of meat. You can cook pork, sausages, and chicken on them. They often have special supports for long metal skewers.
Built-in vs. Portable
Many Brazilian homes have a built-in churrasqueira. These are usually made of brick and are a permanent part of the house. They are great for big family gatherings.
There are also portable churrasqueiras. These are smaller and can be moved around. They are similar to the grills used in Argentina and Uruguay for their asado barbecue.
How Brazilians Barbecue
Brazilians cook their barbecue, or churrasco, in a special way. They often use long metal or wooden skewers. These skewers hold large pieces of meat. The meat is then roasted over hot embers. These embers come from charcoal or sometimes wood.
Cooking with Skewers
Many churrasqueiras in Brazil do not have a grill grate. Instead, they use only skewers. The skewers rest on supports above the hot coals. Sometimes, the skewers are even stuck directly into the ground near the embers. This method helps the meat cook slowly and evenly. It gives the meat a delicious smoky flavor.
