In the 16th century
In the 16th century, the Portuguese brought chicken cabidela, a typical dish from the North of Portugal, to Brazil. In Minas Gerais, during the 18th century, the dish evolved into "chicken with brown sauce", using all the pieces of chicken, bird's blood, vinegar, African spices and Minas Gerais seasoning. During cooking, both the sauce and the chicken acquire a brown hue, giving rise to the name "brown sauce chicken". This recipe has become a Minas Gerais culinary tradition ever since. Writer Fernando Sabino immortalized the dish in his book "O Menino no Espelho", illustrating the playful relationship between children and animals, a tradition that persists in Minas Gerais culture... Did you know?