Today it may not even be considered the most beautiful of dishes, but it certainly has its value for São Paulo. So much so that it even inspired an event in the capital.
In this case, we are talking about couscous from São Paulo, raised to the rank of star at the Modernist Gastronomic Festival, which invited 22 restaurants in the city to present versions of the recipe. The program, which runs from Thursday (31) to April 30, uses the typical São Paulo dish to add to the agenda of celebrations for the centenary of the 1922 Modern Art Week.
Among the participating houses are addresses such as Balaio IMS, by chef Rodrigo Oliveira, Bar da Dona Onça, commanded by Janaína Rueda, Lobozó, by Gustavo Rodrigues, Marcelo Corrêa Bastos and Carlos Alberto Dória, Tordesilhas, under the baton of Mara Salles, Bar do Luiz Fernandes, with recipes by Dona Idalina, and Organicamente Rango, by Tia Nice and Thiago Vinícius, among others.
Consumed in São Paulo since at least the beginning of the 18th century, couscous from São Paulo does not have a single recipe. It is made from moistened cornmeal and steamed with the most diverse side dishes — such as chicken, pork, sardines, shrimp, boiled eggs, peas and tomatoes, for example. The ingredients also make up the decoration of the dish, which is usually served in a mold.
In the hands of the guest chefs, the recipe gains different interpretations. Dona Idalina’s couscous, from Bar do Luiz Fernandes, in the north of São Paulo, has braised shrimp and sardines and is served in individual portions (R$ 12).
On the other side of the capital, in the south zone, Tia Nice prepares a version with sardines, corn and shimeji at Organicamente Rango – it costs R$9.90 and comes with a salad. In Vila Madalena, on the west side, Lobozó chose the mackerel fillet (R$51). In the central region, whoever goes to Balaio IMS pays R$ 29 for a vegetarian version, made with Minas, canasta, goat and ricotta cheeses.
The complete program can be seen on the page of the Municipal Secretary of Culture.
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
