10+ Brazilian Recipes to Savor and Share

Brazilian recipes offer a vibrant mix of flavors and ingredients that can bring a taste of Brazil into your kitchen. Exploring these dishes allows you to enjoy unique meals, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinners.

From traditional comfort foods to delightful desserts, there is something for everyone.

These recipes often highlight fresh produce, hearty grains, and rich spices. You can discover how easy it is to prepare these delicious meals at home.

Each recipe tells a story of the country’s diverse culture and culinary traditions, making your cooking experience even more enjoyable.

1) Feijoada – A hearty black bean stew with pork

Feijoada is a delicious Brazilian dish that combines black beans and various meats, mainly pork. It is a perfect choice for a cozy meal with family or friends.

You start by cooking the black beans until they are soft. While the beans cook, you can prepare the meats. Common choices include salted pork, smoked sausage, and beef.

Feijoada is often served with white rice, collard greens, and farofa, which is toasted manioc flour. Each element adds flavor and texture, making the dish truly special.

Ingredients

• 2 cups black beans
• 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into pieces
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 pound beef, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Collard greens, for serving
• Farofa, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the black beans overnight.
2. In a large pot, cook the pork and beef until browned.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Stir in the beans, bay leaves, and enough water to cover.
5. Simmer for 2-3 hours on low heat until beans are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve with rice, collard greens, and farofa.

2) Pão de Queijo – Cheesy, fluffy bread rolls

Pão de Queijo is a delicious Brazilian snack that is loved for its cheesy flavor and soft texture. These rolls are made with tapioca flour, making them gluten-free and perfect for everyone to enjoy.

You may enjoy them as a side dish or a tasty treat on their own. When you bite into a warm pão de queijo, you’ll experience a delightful mix of chewiness and fluffiness.

Making them at home is simple. They are quick to prepare and bake, so you can enjoy fresh rolls whenever you want.

Ingredients

• 1 cup tapioca flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 cup grated cheese (like mozzarella or Parmesan)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pot, heat the milk and oil until it starts to boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the tapioca flour and salt.
4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the beaten egg and cheese.
5. Mix until smooth, then form small balls on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

3) Caipirinha – Brazil’s national cocktail

The Caipirinha is a popular Brazilian cocktail known for its refreshing taste. It is simple to make and perfect for warm weather. You only need three main ingredients: cachaça, lime, and sugar.

To prepare your drink, start by cutting a lime into wedges. Place the lime in a glass along with sugar. Muddle them together to release the lime’s juice.

Add cachaça to the glass and fill it with ice. Stir the mix well, and your Caipirinha is ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 lime
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 ounces cachaça
• Ice cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the lime into wedges.
2. Add lime and sugar to a glass.
3. Muddle them to release the juice.
4. Pour in the cachaça.
5. Fill the glass with ice.
6. Stir well and serve.

4) Moqueca – A rich seafood stew

Moqueca is a delicious Brazilian seafood stew that highlights fresh ingredients. This dish is made with firm white fish, coconut milk, and a mix of spices and herbs.

You will enjoy the vibrant flavor from lime juice and fresh herbs like cilantro. The combination of tomatoes, onions, and peppers makes it even more delightful.

Cooking Moqueca is simple and quick. It’s a great dish for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) firm white fish fillets
• 1 can (13.5 oz or 400 ml) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 limes
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in tomatoes and bell pepper; cook for a few minutes.
4. Add fish fillets and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour in coconut milk and lime juice; simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

5) Brigadeiro – Sweet chocolate truffles

Brigadeiros are delicious Brazilian chocolate truffles that are easy to make. They are smooth, fudgy, and full of chocolate flavor. You only need a few ingredients to whip them up.

To start, you will need sweetened condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate. You combine these ingredients in a pan and cook until thickened. Once the mixture cools, you roll it into small balls and coat them in chocolate sprinkles or cocoa powder.

Brigadeiros are perfect for parties or as a sweet treat anytime. They can easily be customized with different flavors too.

Ingredients

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• Chocolate sprinkles for coating

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes.
3. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
4. Once cool, grease your hands and roll the mixture into small balls.
5. Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles.
6. Place on a plate and enjoy!

6) Galinhada – Flavorful chicken and rice

Galinhada is a delicious Brazilian dish featuring chicken and rice. It is often cooked as a one-pot meal, making it perfect for busy days. This dish combines tender chicken with flavorful spices, vegetables, and rice to create a comforting meal.

You can add peas, carrots, and even sausage to enhance the flavor. The addition of garlic and onions gives it a rich taste that you’ll love. This dish is similar to Spanish paella but has its own unique Brazilian twist.

Cooking Galinhada is simple, and it can be ready in about an hour. It is a great choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken pieces
• 1 cup rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Spices (salt, pepper, saffron)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.
4. Stir in the rice and cook for a couple of minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and add peas and carrots.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and saffron.
7. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender.

7) Quindim – Glossy Coconut Custard

Quindim is a delightful Brazilian dessert that features a shiny, yellow custard made with coconut. The texture is smooth and creamy, while the coconut gives it a chewy contrast.

This treat is simple to prepare and sure to impress anyone who tries it. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that showcases the flavors of Brazil.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend shredded coconut, egg yolks, and sugar until smooth.
3. Add melted butter, coconut milk, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Pour the batter into greased custard cups.
5. Place cups in a baking dish filled with water.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
7. Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy your Quindim!

8) Acarajé – Deep-fried black-eyed pea balls

Acarajé is a popular street food from Brazil. These deep-fried balls are made from black-eyed peas. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

To make acarajé, start by soaking the black-eyed peas overnight. Afterward, peel them and blend with onions and spices. Then, shape them into balls and fry in hot palm oil until golden brown.

You can fill these fritters with shrimp, onions, and special sauces for extra flavor. Acarajé is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Cayenne, to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak black-eyed peas overnight.
2. Peel the black-eyed peas and chop onions and garlic.
3. Blend the ingredients into a smooth mixture.
4. Shape into balls.
5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden brown.

9) Farofa – Toasted cassava flour mixture

Farofa is a popular Brazilian dish made from toasted cassava flour. It’s often used as a side dish and adds a delightful crunch to your meals. You can easily customize it with various ingredients.

To make farofa, you start by cooking bacon, onions, and garlic in a pan. This creates a flavorful base. Then, add the cassava flour and toast it until golden brown. This step is key for the perfect texture.

Farofa can be served with grilled meats, salads, or even as a topping for feijoada. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cassava flour
• 3 strips bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large pan over medium heat until crispy.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the cassava flour and toast for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
4. Serve warm.

10) Coxinha – Chicken-filled savory pastries

Coxinha is a popular Brazilian snack that many people enjoy. These delightful pastries are filled with a savory chicken mixture and wrapped in a dough that is shaped like a drumstick.

Making coxinha at home can be a fun experience. You can customize the filling to your taste, whether you want more spices or additional ingredients. The crispy outer layer contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken inside.

To cook them, you will fry the coxinhas until they are golden brown. This snack is perfect for gatherings or just a tasty treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. First, sauté the onion in a pan until it becomes soft.
2. Then, add the chicken and cream cheese, and mix them well.
3. In another pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
4. Stir in the flour until it forms a dough.
5. Allow the dough to cool slightly, then shape it into cups.
6. Fill each cup with the chicken mixture and seal.
7. Next, dip each cup in beaten egg, then coat it with bread crumbs.
8. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
9. Lastly, fry the cups until they turn golden, then drain them on paper towels and serve them warm.