at first glance, it resembles the tamale found in much of the spanish speaking world, but upon closer inspection, one finds that it is made from mashed corn, as opposed to corn meal, giving it a smoother, lighter texture.

empadinhas or pasteles, much like the familiar empanadas of central america, are chunks of sweet or savory filling, wrapped in a pastry shell. the brazilian manifestations are distinguished by their use of local produce like palm hearts and bamboo shoots, along side fish and meat fillings.