| Churrasco -- Brazilian Rotisserie-Cooking |
From "Grilling & BBQ"
episode BBQ-102 |
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Cooking on a rotisserie is a distinctive form of barbecuing in that it cooks foods slowly and evenly while allowing only a minimal amount of the natural juices and flavors to escape. Meats prepared in this way are so succulent that many require little or nothing in the way of extra seasonings. Rotisserie chef Tamer Amer demonstrates for DIY Barbecuing host Randall Andrews some of the techniques used in the traditional Brazilian cooking style known as churrasco. The meat is grilled over an open fire of mesquite charcoal. Rather than resting on a grid, the meats are skewered on swords and suspended over the flames (figure A). The fire is contained within a brick-lined firebox that traps the heat, making for temperatures that range from 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking temperature for each variety of meat is controlled by the height at which it's suspended above the flame. Meats to be seared and served rare are cooked for a short time on the lower level. Meats to be basted and slow-cooked are placed on the upper levels. The end of each sword fits into a key, which facilitates the rotating of the skewer. Since the cuts of meat are constantly turning, the juices roll over and are continually coating the outside of the cuts rather than falling into the fire. In this way, each piece is constantly self-basting as it cooks. In churrasco, the only preseasoning used on most meats is a light rubbing with sea salt. If there's not a restaurant specializing in churrasco in your neighborhood, don't be discouraged. With an optional rotisserie attachment, you can achieve some of the same results on your home barbecue. Barbecuing Quick-Tip: When cooking sizeable cuts of meat on your grill, you can prevent overdrying by placing a shallow pan of water on the grill next to the meat (figure B). This serves as a source of steam, and the water vapor will help keep your meat moist as it cooks. Substitute wine or fruit juice to add a different flavor. As an alternative, fill a spray bottle with apple juice or white wine, and use it to mist the meat occasionally as it cooks(figure C). Web site resources for gas grills, general barbecue information and Brazilian barbecue (churrasco): Information and supplies for gas grills and accessories Barbecue gift packages and accessories One of the most popular sites about barbecue on the Internet -- great general information. A site dedicated to Brazilian barbecue (churrasco) About.com barbecue information, including a list of associations
RESOURCES :
Skewer Cooking on the Grill
Model: 1558671226
Author: Bob Simmons and Coleen Simmons
(1995)
Bristol Publishing Enterprises
Website: www.bristolpublishing.com
National Barbecue Association
National Barbecue Association
Douglas , GA 31533
Website: www.rbjb.com/rbjb/nbbq.htm
Barbecue Supplies (Barbeques Galore)
Barbeques Galore
Website: www.bbqgalore.com
The Great Barbecue Companion: Mops, Sops, Sauces, and Rubs
Model: 0895948060
Author: Bruce Bjorkman
(March 1996)
Crossing Press
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Model: 0696210290
Author: Kristi Fuller
(April 2000)
Better Homes & Gardens Books
National Agricultural Library (USDA)
USDA's national agricultural library
National Agricultural Library
Website: www.nal.usda.gov
Memphis Barbecue, Barbeque, Bar-B-Que, Bar-B-Q, B-B-Q
Model: 0925175161
Author: Carolyn S. Wells
Finger Lickin, Rib Stickin, Great Tasting Barbecue
Model: 0894802089
Author: Jane Butel
Workman Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.workman.com
Weber's Art of the Grill : Recipes for Outdoor Living
Model: 0811824195
Author: Jamie Purviance
(1999)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Chronicle Publishing Company
Website: www.chroniclebooks.com
On the Grill : A Complete Guide to Hot-Smoking and Barbecuing Meat, Fish, and Game
Model: 1558218068
Author: A.D. Livingston
Jerk: Barbecue from Jamaica
Model: 0895944391
Author: Helen Willinsky
The Cook's Encyclopedia of Barbecues, Grills & Outdoor Eating
Model: 0754808025
Author: Christine France
Weber's Big Book of Grilling
Model: 0811831973
Author: Jamie Purviance
Chronicle Publishing Company
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The Gas Grill Gourmet: Great Grilled Food for Everyday Meals & Fantastic Feasts
Model: 1558321101
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Better Homes and Gardens Gas Grill Cookbook
Model: 0696000628
Author: Shelli McConnell (Editor)
Better Homes and Gardens Books
Website: www.bhg.com
GUESTS :
Tamer Amer
Churrasco Expert
Information private
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