When people think of Thanksgiving, they usually think of food. After all, it’s called Thanksgiving instead of Thanksgetting.
And this makes sense because the real point of the holiday is to give thanks for what you have. And appreciate the people who make your life great.
Meanwhile, the food often comes as a side dish to all the gratitude, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious and memorable in its own right! Brazilian Thanksgiving foods are just as fantastic as American ones, if not more so!
1. Turkey
Although turkey is the main dish of American Thanksgiving, it has also become a popular Brazilian Thanksgiving Food.
Turkey is usually served with side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green beans. One of the most popular ways to cook turkey in Brazil is to marinate it overnight in a mixture of garlic, lime juice, and cilantro. This gives the turkey a unique flavor that will please any crowd.
2. Arroz Festivo
This dish is made of white rice, black beans, and toasted corn. It is then topped with crispy bacon and green onions.
This particular Brazilian Thanksgiving Food is served with a side of salsa. Arroz Festivo is a great way to show your appreciation for all the fantastic things in life.
3. Black Bean Rice Casserole
Black Bean Rice Casserole is Brazilian Thanksgiving food; this casserole is made with black beans, white rice, and corn. It is then topped with cheese and baked until golden brown. Black Bean Rice Casserole is a great way to show your appreciation for all the fantastic things in life.
4. Roast Stuffed Chicken
This dish is usually served as the main course. It’s a whole chicken that’s been roasted and stuffed with a variety of things like sausage, bacon, and cheese. This dish is hearty and filling, making it perfect for a big holiday meal.
Plus, it’s always a hit with guests! The stuffing might vary depending on where you live in Brazil or your culture. But this roast stuffed chicken is one of the most popular dishes during Brazilian thanksgiving food.
5. Torta De Limao or (Lemon Tart Pie)
This pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The tart and tangy lemon filling is nestled in a flaky, buttery crust.
Moreover, It’s garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and served with a dollop of whipped cream. This pie will surely be a hit with your guests!
6. Pão De Queijo or (Cheese Bread)
Brazilians enjoy eating this bread by itself or slathered with cheese and then toasted in the oven. The cheese melts into a gooey, crispy concoction. These little savory rolls are typically enjoyed during breakfast but can make for an excellent appetizer.
Also, you can fill them with cheese curds (like mozzarella), scrambled eggs, ham, bacon, or any other favorite fillings you have at home.
They are shaped like small rolls and typically have six little indentations on top, filling them quickly before they’re baked. An authentic Brazilian treat!
7. Batida De Maracujá (Passion Fruit Cocktail)
This Brazilian thanksgiving food is a refreshing and easy-to-make passion fruit cocktail. Batida de Maracuja is made with just four ingredients: passion fruit juice, sugar, ice, and cachaça.
8. Cachaca
Cachaça is a Brazilian Thanksgiving food made from sugarcane juice. If you can’t find cachaça, you can substitute vodka or any other clear spirit.
9. Batida de Coco
This refreshing coconut drink is made with just four ingredients: fresh coconut water, sweetened condensed milk, ice, and rum.
It’s the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot day. And it’s easy to make, too! Just blend all the ingredients and serve over ice.
Also, it’s an excellent option for kids or anyone who doesn’t like alcohol. Batida de Coco is typically performed in tall glasses, but you can use any glassware or container to get creative with your presentation.
You can add some fruit slices or flavorings like cinnamon sticks if you want something more interesting with this Brazilian Thanksgiving food.
10. Traditional Caipirinha
Caipirinha is a Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. The drink is traditionally served in a small tumbler glass.
Caipirinha is the national drink of Brazil and is often served at parties and celebrations. It comes from the Portuguese word caipira, which means peasant or hick. Caipirinha is typically made with white cachaça, but it can also be made with dark cachaça or rum.
11. Chocolate Carrot Cake
Chocolate cake is a Brazilian Thanksgiving Food made with grated carrots, which gives it a lovely moist texture. The frosting is a rich, creamy chocolate ganache made with just two ingredients. This cake is simple to make and can be easily adapted to be gluten-free or vegan.
12. Farofa
Farofa is a dish made of cassava flour and is a typical Brazilian Thanksgiving food. It is usually served with meat, beans, and rice.
Meanwhile, the dish is easy to make and can be found in most Brazilian supermarkets. Farofa may seem strange for those unfamiliar with Brazilian cuisine. But it is worth trying! To prepare the dish, first cook the bacon until crisp.
Next, cook the onion in the bacon fat until translucent. Add the chopped garlic and saute for another minute or two before adding the mashed cassava.
Season with salt, pepper, ground cumin (or cumin seeds), paprika powder (or paprika), and coriander powder (or fresh coriander).
Finally, add some water or chicken broth and bring to a boil before reducing heat to low-medium heat for about 15 minutes or until the mixture becomes thick, like porridge/polenta.
13. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple of Brazilian thanksgiving food. They can be served plain, with gravy, or with other toppings like cheese or bacon.
Mashed potatoes are a great side dish because they fill and go well with other dishes. Brazilians usually make their mashed potatoes from scratch, but you can also use instant mashed potatoes to save time.
When making mashed potatoes, be sure to use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best results. So next time you’re looking for a new side dish, give mashed potatoes a try!
14. Homemade Mac and Cheese
One of the best things about mac and cheese is that it’s a dish that can be made entirely from scratch—making it the perfect Brazilian thanksgiving food.
So, there are many different ways to make mac and cheese; each one is just as delicious as the last. Whether using a traditional recipe or adding your personal touches, mac and cheese is always a hit.
And what’s even better is that it’s a dish that can be made ahead of time. So you can enjoy your holiday without having to stress about cooking.
Therefore, if you’re looking for delicious and easy Brazilian Thanksgiving food, look no further than mac and cheese!
15. Potatoes
Potatoes are a Brazilian thanksgiving food that can be served in many different ways. One way to prepare potatoes is to bake them. Another way to prepare potatoes is to fry them.
Additionally, potatoes can be boiled, mashed, or roasted. Potatoes are a versatile food that everyone can enjoy. They are low-calorie and offer significant vitamin C, potassium, and B6.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, potatoes also taste great! Whether they’re sweet like the banana-potato mash or savory like French fries with garlic sauce, there’s no doubt that potatoes will impress guests at your next holiday meal.
Conclusion
After trying all of these Brazilian Thanksgiving foods, you will surely be impressed! You will be surprised you didn’t know that such a diverse range of flavors and textures could come together so harmoniously.
Each dish was delicious, and I can see why Brazilians are so proud of their cuisine. You will look forward to trying more Brazilian Thanksgiving food in the future!
Though, Thanksgiving food is an American tradition that you might not be familiar with if you’re not from the US. Luckily, If you have a chance to travel around South America, you will experience Brazilian thanksgiving food.
