Minas Gerais Angu with Spicy Sausage
BrazilianBrunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Angu is a beloved staple of Minas Gerais cuisine, considered the heart of Brazilian culinary tradition. This creamy, smooth cornmeal preparation transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary comfort food. The dish features perfectly cooked cornmeal whisked into a velvety porridge, enriched with generous amounts of butter and fragrant garlic. Topped with sliced spicy sausage sautéed with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions, this combination creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The angu provides a mild, buttery base that perfectly complements the robust, spicy sausage topping. Often served for breakfast or brunch in Brazilian households, this dish represents the warmth of home cooking and the resourcefulness of Minas Gerais culinary traditions. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own touch to this beloved regional specialty.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of cornmeal in a steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

  2. While the angu cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

  3. Once the angu reaches a creamy, thick consistency, stir in 4 tablespoons of butter and the sautéed garlic. Continue stirring until the butter is fully incorporated and the angu is silky smooth. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Keep warm.

  4. In the same skillet used for garlic, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Italian sausages and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausages and set aside.

  5. In the same skillet with sausage drippings, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Add 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  6. Return the cooked sausages to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.

  7. To serve, spoon generous portions of the creamy angu onto individual plates or into shallow bowls. Top each serving with the spicy sausage and pepper mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Minas Gerais Angu with Spicy Sausage

5.0 (75)

Traditional Brazilian Minas Gerais angu, a creamy cornmeal porridge enriched with butter and garlic, topped with sizzling spicy sausage, onions, and peppers. A hearty dish that embodies the soul of Brazilian comfort cuisine.

medium
50 min
6 servings

Ingredients

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Base

  • 2 cups corn, fine cornmeal
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking

  • 3 tablespoons olive-oil, divided

Topping

  • 4 links italian-sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 pieces onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 pieces bell-peppers, sliced into strips

Seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoons paprika, ground
  • 1/4 teaspoons cayenne, ground (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)

Chef Tips

expert advice
Chef Notes: For the smoothest angu, use fine or medium-ground cornmeal rather than coarse polenta.
The key to perfect angu is constant stirring during the first few minutes to prevent lumps.
If the angu becomes too thick, add a splash of warm water or milk to reach desired consistency.
The traditional Minas Gerais version uses linguiça calabresa, but Italian sausage makes an excellent substitute.
For extra richness, some cooks add a splash of milk or cream to the finished angu.
The dish can be customized with different toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or fried eggs.
If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount.
The angu should have a consistency similar to creamy mashed potatoes - smooth, pourable, but not runny.
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and fresh orange juice.
Leftover angu can be spread in a baking dish, refrigerated until firm, then sliced and pan-fried for a delicious next-day preparation called angu frito.