Beef Strogonoff

My Rating: ****

Location: 421 Cambridge Street Allston | MA 02134 

(617) 789-5980

Weird name? Surprisingly enough it is not a weird word amongst the Brazilians, yet here in the US I have not met one single person who knows what it is. Well, too bad you are missing out. 

Strogonoff, originated from Russia and most probably invented by the Stroganov family, is a very popular dish amongst Brazilians. Of course, the Brazilian version includes a few changes to the original Russian version. While the Russian version uses mustard and bouillon with a final touch of sour cream for the sauce, the Brazilian version includes stir fried onions and mushrooms while the sauce is made with heavy whipping cream instead of sour cream, with an addition of Ketchup or Tomato sauce and mustard. It is served with rice and crisp potato straws. 

Where to find this? At Cafe Brasil - a cozy Brazilian restaurant situated on 421 Cambridge Street, Allston, MA. The Strogonoff there however, was different to any other Strogonoff I've had before. It contains the usual beef, onions and mushrooms (like all Brazilian Strogonoffs) but has some heart of palm bits added to it, making the dish all the more unique. 

For those who have never had it before, it is quite hard to describe the taste as it is pretty unique. However, if you are a fan of creamy risottos and paejas then this is definitely something for you to try! :)