Brazilian cuisine usually highlights the main courses, but the sides deserve just as much attention. These 14 recipes bring essential South American flair and huge flavors to your dining table.
I promise that these exciting combinations will impress any crowd with your new cooking skills.
1. Red Currant Caipirinha
Brazil’s national cocktail traditionally features lime. This fun twist uses red currants for an inviting ruby color.
I love the addictive combination of lime and currants in every sip.
Authentic versions call for cachaça, which is a sugar cane spirit. You can also swap in vodka or sake for convenience.
2. Brazilian Rice
Getting the proportions right is the key to this perfect dish. Use one cup of rice for every two cups of water.
I always wash the grains before cooking to ensure a fluffy texture.
Onions and garlic plus a pinch of salt provide the flavor. You never have to settle for tasteless white rice again.
3. Brazilian Potato Salad
This popular side dish is full of warm flavors. It pairs perfectly with churrasco or grilled meats at outdoor barbecue parties.
The recipe features a mayonnaise dressing infused with tangy spices and herbs. You can bulk it up by adding hard boiled eggs.
Some variations even include raisins or peas.
4. Tutu de Feijão (Brazilian Refried Beans)
This dish from Minas Gerais tastes best when served hot with pork chops and white rice. The recipe uses pureed beans thickened with cassava flour.
I like adding diced sausage or bits of bacon for a wonderful smoky flavor. You can simply omit the meat for a vegetarian version.
It is a must for anyone who loves beans.
5. Deep-Fried Bananas
These banana empanadas work as a tasty side dish or a dessert. You only need five simple ingredients to make them.
Just gather oil and eggs plus breadcrumbs and flour. I love serving the fritters with various meats.
Top them with ice cream for a simple delectable sweet treat.
6. Brazilian Vinaigrette Salsa
This salsa completes the national black bean stew dish. It also goes perfectly with fish or grilled pork.
I enjoy it with French rolls too. The olive oil and vinegar dressing makes it refreshing.
You can chop and mix everything in about five minutes.
7. Brazilian Cheese Bread
This gluten free bread is chewy and so yummy. The recipe uses pantry staples like olive oil and milk plus flour and eggs.
I recommend cheddar cheese for a sharp flavor. Serve it for breakfast with fruit jam or papaya.
8. Herbed Couscous
Pearl couscous cooked in olive oil and herbs is incredibly easy to make. Lemon zest makes a huge difference in the final taste.
Do not skip that ingredient. You can also add Brazilian sofrito seasoning for extra flavor.
9. Salt Cod Salad
Salt cod is the star here without being overly salty. The mild fish meets the natural sweetness of onions and tomatoes.
You play a role in ensuring the flavor balance. I soak the fish in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess salt.
10. Brazilian Chicken Salad (Salpicao)
This dish is known as salpicão in Brazil. The dressing uses lime juice and honey mixed with mayo.
I shred the chicken and top it with potato sticks for an authentic touch. Salty potatoes combine with sweet raisins for a real treat.
It feeds a hungry crowd easily.
11. Tropiero Beans
Turn leftover beans into a filling dish with this recipe. You just need to add manioc flour and meat.
It is traditionally a side for fried pork cracklings. I like to add a sunny side up egg to make it a complete meal.
12. Farofa
You will often find this traditional side dish in a Brazilian steakhouse. The toasted flour mixture has a slightly salty and smoky taste.
Ingredients like olives and bacon add extra flavor. I sprinkle it over stews or grilled meats.
It accentuates the main dish perfectly.
13. Brazilian Collard Greens
This dish comes from the Minas Gerais region. It is super easy and healthy.
Cook thinly sliced greens in olive oil and garlic. I add salt and pepper to taste.
You can have this ready in 15 minutes or less.
14. Brazilian Leeks
Slow cooking makes these leeks soft and spaghetti like. This recipe makes the vegetable even more delightful.
I love the sweet balsamic glaze included here. That glaze works wonders on meats and fruits too.
