Marcello Tully's World Cup Recipes

Marcello Tully's World Cup Recipes

Marcello Tully's World Cup Recipes

by Great British Chefs1 June 2014

With just days to go until the FIFA World Cup, Brazilian chef Marcello Tully shares his tips for entertaining during the tournament plus some recipes from his home country.

Marcello Tully's World Cup Recipes

With just days to go until the FIFA World Cup, Brazilian chef Marcello Tully shares his tips for entertaining during the tournament plus some recipes from his home country.

Great British Chefs is a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to bringing you the latest food stories, news and reviews.

Great British Chefs is a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to bringing you the latest food stories, news and reviews as well as access to some of Britain’s greatest chefs. Our posts cover everything we are excited about from the latest openings and hottest food trends to brilliant new producers and exclusive chef interviews.

Great British Chefs is a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to bringing you the latest food stories, news and reviews.

Great British Chefs is a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to bringing you the latest food stories, news and reviews as well as access to some of Britain’s greatest chefs. Our posts cover everything we are excited about from the latest openings and hottest food trends to brilliant new producers and exclusive chef interviews.

Marcello Tully has achieved a huge amount since leaving Brazil at the age of six and landing his first kitchen job – in Britain - at the age of fourteen. There has been a formative spell under Albert Roux, years spent carving out success in catering and, more recently, success to the tune of a Michelin star and 3AA Rosettes at Skye’s stunning Kinloch Lodge.

But on the eve of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, his thoughts have returned to his homeland once again – and using his childhood as way of inspiration, he has shared some vibrant, Brazilian street food-style recipes with Great British Chefs, designed to complement the action on the pitch and help you hold your own World Cup party.

“All of these Brazilian recipes are very reminiscent of my childhood – wherever there’s good food there are always happy people,” he explains.

While in Britain we may consider Football and Favelas to be greater symbols of Brazilian culture, another ‘F’ word – food – is equally intrinsic. And traditional snacks like Paezinhos de Nozes (pistachio biscuits), Acaraje (savoury bean and onion cakes) and Pao de Queijo (cheese bread) are perfect for kicking back and watching the games – easy to prepare and even easier to eat!

“These treats make the ideal spread,” he says. “We could class them as comfort food, fit for the occasion and a get-together with friends and family.

“The food is served to be nibbled throughout the game,” he continues, “not to spoil our concentration - a pick up/put down item that’s delicious from the first to the last bite.”

But far from just fulfilling a practical purpose, Marcello’s array of Samba snacks also conjure some evocative memories for the chef.

“I always remember these classics from my childhood whilst watching the footie: a large enthusiastic crowd, sitting at home or at a barraca, a bar in front of the beach - willing Brazil to win.

“These very dishes have taken me and numerous other fellow Brazilians through a range of mixed emotions – frenzied shouting, crying, laughing, hugging, euphoria and denial.”

Brazilian cuisine is all about the combination of sweet and sour, and though Marcello proclaims that Brazilians ‘enjoy a good party’, the mood will swiftly turn to the latter if disaster occurs and Brazil are prematurely eliminated.

But, thankfully Brazil are among the favourites, so expect more memorable scenes like the one Marcello describes below and get in on the action yourself, by whipping up a few of his tasty recipes:

“My Dad - he would take himself off for a good, long walk, or a swim - making the most of the deserted streets and beaches while everyone else ventured towards a screen. And when the nation screamed ‘GOOOAL’ in unison, he would join in the celebrations, once of course victory had been conquered, then, back to the table!”