One of the best things about traveling is getting to taste a variety of exotic and authentic food. There’s nothing quite like going to a country and trying a new dish where you won’t find something like it anywhere else.
However, unfortunately, we can’t always be traveling the world. Yet, we can still bring the great sensation of an interesting dish to our very own kitchens. Whether you’re wanting to spice up your weekly meals or throw a colorful South American dinner party at home, these Brazilian dishes will get your mouth watering.
1) Coxinhas
You can find these deliciously doughy snacks at every corner of Brazil. They resemble a croquette and are perfect for a side snack or starter course. They are made from shredded chicken, potatoes, and onions, mixed with a hot sauce.
Coxinhas are battered and deep-fried. Once assembled, they come out formed in a classic teardrop shape. If you decide to try your hand at making some of these savory delights, we recommend pairing with a dip of your choice. How about a home-made salsa or extra hot sauce?
2) Feijoada
This flavorsome and hearty Brazilian stew can be made with all sorts of meat alongside beans and tomatoes. It is then usually served up with rice and orange slices. A bit like paella in Spain, all recipes vary from one to the next. In Brazil, some feijoada dishes are made with pig trotters and ears!
Whether you’re daring enough to try some of the more unorthodox meats or not, one thing you do want to do is to get the best quality meat out there for this stew. Try with some diced pork or the best 100% grass-fed beef for a succulent texture for these Brazilian dishes.
3) Pão de Queijo
This is also known as cheese bread. Pao de queijo tends to come in a soft ball shape, filled with a gooey and cheesy center. They are simple to make and don’t require too many ingredients, so they are great if you’re short of time.
These are also popular as a breakfast food in this part of the world. If you find yourself with some left-over from dinner, you may be enjoying these for your morning meal, too.
4) Moqueca de Camarão
This is another stew-like dish, packed full of exotic flavors. This seafood supper is spicy, vibrant and will have your taste buds in a state of delight. Shrimps, tomatoes, red peppers, coconut milk, and coriander set up the basis of this stew, with some chili and lime juice for a kick.
This makes a great main course if you are looking for Brazilian dishes for a dinner party. It is unique, delicious, and can be catered to you and your guests’ preferences. If you’re a devoted seafood fan, you can always add a wider variety of seafood.
5) Brigadeiro
This is another one of those Brazilian dishes that is a traditional South American dessert. These chocolate truffles were created by a confectioner from the well-known seaside city Rio de Janeiro. To make these drops of indulgence requires no more than four ingredients: condensed milk, unsalted butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
Get adventurous with your choice of coating. Chocolate sprinkles are a popular choice for those in Brazil. However, pistachios, desiccated coconut, and white chocolate are also good options.
6) Quindim
This Brazilian flan is usually a bright yellow color with a smooth and custard-like consistency. This baked dessert is often made with coconut for that tropical and refreshing palate cleanser.
You can create this dessert as one-person sized portions or a larger size for slicing like a cake. All you need is coconut milk, butter, egg yolks, caster sugar, desiccated coconut, and vanilla flavoring. This simple, yet effective dessert will finish a dinner party off nicely.
We hope you enjoy these colorful Brazilian dishes at your next dinner party or just for family mealtime!
