25 Best Brazilian Side Dishes You’ll Enjoy
If you’re looking for some new Brazilian side dishes to mix things up, you’ve come to the right place! With Brazilian side dishes, the possibilities are endless. You can mix and match different flavors and create something unique.
Plus, it’s a great way to add some variety to your table. I have been experimenting with Brazilian side dishes lately and love the results. I hope you’ll enjoy these recipes as much as I do!
Brazilian Side Dishes
- Brazilian Vinaigrette Salsa
- Herbed Couscous
- Salt Cod Salad
- Tropiero Beans
- Deep-Fried Bananas
- Brazilian Cheese Bread
- Brazilian Collard Greens
- Red Currant Caipirinha
- Brazilian Rice
- Brazilian Leeks
Brazilian Vinaigrette Salsa
Looking for a new side dish to add some zest to your meals? Try Brazilian Vinaigrette Salsa! This flavorful salsa is made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and red wine vinegar. The result is a bright and colorful salsa that is perfect for pairing with any dish.
One of the great things about Brazilian Vinaigrette Salsa is that it is so versatile. Whether you are serving fish, chicken, or beef, this salsa will add a delicious touch to your meal. And because it is so easy to make, you can whip it up in no time at all. Just be sure to blend the ingredients well so that the flavors can meld together.
It is also a great choice if you are looking for a healthy side dish option. It is low in calories and fat, and it is packed with vitamins and minerals. Plus, the vinegar in the salsa helps to keep you feeling full longer. However, if you are watching your sodium intake, you may want to go easy on the red wine vinegar.
Brazilian Vinaigrette Salsa with Mango and Cilantro
- Ingredients: 2 tomatoes, 1 onion, 1 mango, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, salt and pepper
- Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Instructions:
- Dice tomatoes, onion, and mango.
- Chop cilantro finely.
- Mix all ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
- Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Herbed Couscous
Herbed couscous is a versatile and flavorful side dish that pairs well with many different main courses. The couscous is made with a variety of herbs, which gives it a unique flavor that is both earthy and slightly sweet. The texture of herbed couscous is light and fluffy, making it a perfect contrast to heavier meats or sauces.
When choosing a side dish, remember that herbed couscous goes well with both poultry and beef. If you are looking for a more robust flavor, try pairing it with lamb or sausage. For a lighter option, chicken or fish are good choices.
Herbed couscous can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian dish; simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables. As far as cons go, herbed couscous can sometimes be a bit bland if not seasoned properly. Be sure to add plenty of salt and pepper before serving.
Herbed Couscous with Pine Nuts and Raisins
- Ingredients: 1 cup couscous, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped mint, 2 tbsp olive oil
- Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Instructions:
- Boil chicken broth and pour over couscous in a bowl.
- Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and add remaining ingredients.
- Mix well and serve.
Salt Cod Salad
Salt cod salad is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different meals. The cod is cooked in salt water, which gives it a firm texture and slightly salty taste.
The salad is then typically made with olive oil, vinegar, onions, and peppers. This combination of flavors makes the salt cod salad a delicious and healthy option for any meal.
Additionally, the salad can be easily customized to suit your taste. For example, you can add more or less vinegar depending on how acidic you prefer in your salad. You can also add different vegetables, such as tomatoes or cucumbers, to change up the flavor.
Salt Cod Salad with Olives and Capers
- Ingredients: 1 lb salt cod, 1/2 cup olives, 2 tbsp capers, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 lemon (juiced), parsley for garnish
- Average Cook Time: 1 hour (plus soaking time)
- Instructions:
- Soak salt cod in water for 24 hours, changing water 3 times.
- Boil until tender, then flake.
- Mix with olives, capers, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Garnish with parsley.
Tropiero Beans
The Tropiero bean is a small, round bean that hails from Brazil. These beans have a delicate flavor with hints of sweetness and a creamy texture that makes them a perfect addition to any number of dishes. It can be enjoyed as a simple side dish or used to add creaminess and plant-based protein to soups, stews, and salads.
When cooking Tropiero beans, be sure to add plenty of water or stock, as they will absorb liquid and expand as they cook. For the best results, cook Tropiero beans until they are soft but still hold their shape. Add them to your favorite dishes and enjoy the delicious taste of Brazil.
Tropiero Beans with Smoked Sausage
- Ingredients: 2 cups black beans, 1 smoked sausage, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper
- Average Cook Time: 2 hours
- Instructions:
- Soak beans overnight.
- Cook beans with bay leaf until tender.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and sliced sausage.
- Combine with beans and season.
Deep-Fried Bananas
Brazilian deep-fried bananas are a delicious and easy side dish that can be served with almost any meal. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior that is bursting with flavor. Bananas are usually paired with dishes that are savory or spicy, but they can also be enjoyed with sweet dishes.
The benefits of using Brazilian deep-fried bananas as a side dish are that they are quick and easy to prepare, and they can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for later use.
The downside of using Brazilian deep-fried bananas is that they are high in calories and fat, so they should be eaten in moderation. If you are looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried bananas, you can try baking or grilling them instead.
Deep-Fried Bananas with Cinnamon Sugar
- Ingredients: 4 bananas, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, oil for frying, 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar
- Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Instructions:
- Slice bananas into rounds.
- Mix flour and cornstarch.
- Coat banana slices and deep fry until golden.
- Toss in cinnamon sugar.
Brazilian Cheese Bread
Brazilian Cheese Bread, or Pao de Queijo, is a type of soft cheese roll that originates from Brazil. They are traditionally made with tapioca flour, which gives them a chewy texture, and they are often served as a side dish. It is usually round in shape and has a slightly crisp exterior. The inside is soft and fluffy, and the taste is cheesy and slightly salty.
Brazilian Cheese Bread pairs well with a variety of dishes. For a light meal, try serving them with soup or salad. For something heartier, it goes well with grilled meats or stews. And for a sweet treat, you may pair it with fruit or chocolate sauce.
When preparing Brazilian Cheese Bread, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be sure to use tapioca flour – other types of flour will not give the same results.
- Brazilian Cheese Bread is best fresh out of the oven – if you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven before serving.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different kinds of cheese – it’s what makes this dish so special!
Brazilian Cheese Bread with Herbs
- Ingredients: 2 cups tapioca flour, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup butter, 1 tsp salt, 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped basil and oregano
- Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Boil milk, butter, and salt.
- Stir in tapioca flour.
- Add cheese and herbs.
- Form into balls and bake for 20 minutes.
Brazilian Collard Greens
Brazilian Collard Greens is a great option for a side dish. They have a slightly sweet taste and are very rich and flavorful. They are also packed with nutrients, making them a healthy option for any meal. Moreover, they can be eaten raw, cooked, or grilled and they can be served with rice, beans, or meat.
When cooking Brazilian Collard Greens, be sure to add plenty of water or stock, as they will absorb liquid and expand as they cook. For the best results, cook Brazilian Collard Greens until they are soft but still hold their shape. Add them to your favorite dishes and enjoy the delicious taste of Brazil.
Brazilian Collard Greens with Garlic and Lime
- Ingredients: 1 bunch collard greens, 3 cloves garlic, 1 lime, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt
- Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Instructions:
- Slice collard greens thinly.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add greens and cook until wilted.
- Finish with lime juice and salt.
Red Currant Caipirinha
Red Currant Caipirinha is a delicious Brazilian side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. The bright red berries are juicy and fleshy, with a tart and slightly sweet flavor.
They’re also incredibly versatile, and able to be used in sweet or savory dishes. Red Currant Caipirinha can be enjoyed as is, or served with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Red Currant Caipirinha with Mint
- Ingredients: 1 lime, 2 tbsp sugar, 6-8 red currants, 2 oz cachaça, mint for garnish
- Average Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Instructions:
- Muddle lime, sugar, and red currants in a glass.
- Fill with ice and add cachaça.
- Stir well and garnish with mint.
Brazilian Rice
Brazilian Rice is a great side dish for any meal. They have a unique taste and texture that is perfect for pairing with other dishes. Brazilian Rice is also a good source of fiber and protein, making it a healthy choice for any diet.
However, there are some cons to using Brazilian Rice. It can be difficult to cook, and the results can be unpredictable. It is also important to be careful when choosing a Brazilian Rice recipe, as some recipes can be very high in fat and calories.
But with a little practice, you can master the art of cooking Brazilian Rice. And once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy its delicious flavor and nutrition benefits any time you like.
Brazilian Rice with Saffron and Peas
- Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 2 cups water, 1 pinch saffron, 1/2 cup peas, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt
- Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil and sauté rice briefly.
- Add water, saffron, and salt.
- Cook until almost done, then add peas.
- Finish cooking and serve.
Brazilian Leeks
Brazilian leeks are a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish that is perfect for any occasion. These leeks have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture that pairs well with nearly any main dish.
While they can be enjoyed simply sauteed or grilled, they also make a great addition to soups, stews, and salads. Best of all, Brazilian leeks are relatively low in calories and fat, making them a healthy choice for any meal.
However, you need to take note of some things when preparing them:
- Brazilian leeks can be quite tough, so be sure to slice them thinly.
- They tend to absorb other flavors easily, so it is best to add them towards the end of cooking.
Brazilian Leeks with Piri-Piri Sauce
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- Ingredients: 4 leeks, 1/4 cup piri-piri sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper
- Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Clean and halve leeks.
- Toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20 minutes.
- Serve with piri-piri sauce.
Related Questions When Choosing Brazilian Side Dishes
What are other options when choosing Brazilian side dishes?
- Farofa
- Brazilian Chicken Salad
- Brazilian Potato Salad
- Brazilian Refried Beans
- Salada De Cuscuz
- Sufle De Frango
- Mashed Pumpkins
- Caruru
- Empadao Goiano
- Mayonnaise Salad
- Tutu Beans
- Polenta
- Fried Eggplant
- Rice With Souari Nut
- Deep-Fried Cassava
What are some tips when choosing Brazilian side dishes?
When choosing Brazilian side dishes, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be sure to choose dishes that pair well with the main course. Consider the flavor and texture of the side dish so that it complements the other flavors in the meal.
- Make sure the dish is healthy and easy to prepare. If possible, choose side dishes that are relatively low in calories and fat.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! With a little practice, you can master the art of cooking Brazilian food. And once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy its delicious flavor and nutrition benefits any time you like.
Conclusion
Brazilian side dishes are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. They come in a variety of flavors and textures, making them the perfect accompaniment to any dish.
Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, there’s sure to be a Brazilian side dish that suits your taste. So why not give them a try? With such an impressive array of options, you’re sure to find a new favorite. Brazilian food is delicious, nutritious, and easy to prepare!
25 Best Brazilian Side Dishes You'll Enjoy
Ingredients
- Brazilian Vinaigrette Salsa
- Herbed Couscous
- Salt Cod Salad
- Tropiero Beans
- Deep-Fried Bananas
- Brazilian Cheese Bread
- Brazilian Collard Greens
- Red Currant Caipirinha
- Brazilian Rice
- Brazilian Leeks
Instructions
- Choose your preferred recipe
- Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
- Prepare your side dish