Our Best Brazilian Recipes to Master Today

Fejoida, brigadeiros, and plenty of salt cod

By SAVEUR Editors
Updated: August 10, 2017

South American cuisine is incredibly rich and diverse, in large part thanks to the food of Brazil, which fuses indigenous, European, and African influences. While a national identity, and cuisine, may be hard to pin down, it's Brazil's vast range of regional fare that make it unique. Brazil is home to some of the world's best grilled meats and best stews—we especially love the salt cod. From feijoada to fudge truffles, here are our best Brazilian recipes.

Brazilian Fish and Coconut Milk Stew (Moqueca)

Moqueca
Moqueca, a traditional Brazilian fish stew, takes different forms throughout the country; this version, from Bahia, originally made with a local fish, is enriched with coconut milk and palm oil, a traditionally West African cooking fat. Its vibrant red color is the product of a high concentration of beta carotene. If you can't find it, coconut oil makes a fine, albeit colorless, substitute. Get the recipe for Brazilian Fish and Coconut Milk Stew (Moqueca) »Ted Cavanaugh

Brazilian Chile and Tomato Salsa (Molho Lambão)

Brazilian Chile and Tomato Salsa (Molho Lambão)
Bahians like to ­finish this chunky salsa with a bit of juice from the moqueca, or whatever dish it is meant to accompany. The term lambão comes from the Latin lambere, "to pass the tongue over something." In Bahia, the traditional mala­gueta chiles are said to ward off negative energy associated with some of the orixás, or spiritual beings. Look for malaguetas and pimenta de cheiro at farmers' markets, or substitute drained jarred malaguetas from a Brazilian grocer and fresh serranos. Get the recipe for Brazilian Chile and Tomato Salsa (Molho Lambão) »Ted Cavanaugh

Brazilian Beans with Smoked Pork, Rice and Collards (Feijoada)

Brazilian Beans with Smoked Pork, Rice and Collards (Feijoada)
This hearty dish of beans and pork is the quintessential Brazilian comfort food. It is traditionally served with garlic rice, sautéed collard greens, a tangy vinaigrette, and farofa, toasted cassava flour. Get the recipe for Brazilian Beans with Smoked Pork, Rice and Collards (Feijoada) »SAVEUR

Fish with Shrimp Sauce and Plantains (Filhote com Molho de Camarões e Bananas)

Fish with Shrimp Sauce and Plantains
Any tender, skin-on white fish can be used in this dish, which is topped with spicy shrimp sauce. This recipe first appeared in our June/July 2012 issue along with Neide Rigo's story Passage to the Amazon. Get the recipe for Fish with Shrimp Sauce and Plantains »James Oseland

Strawberry Cachaça Shake

Strawberry Cachaça Shake
Use an aged cachaça like Avuà Amburana to add warm depth to this fruity drink. Get the recipe for Strawberry Cachaça Shake »Farideh Sadeghin

Brazilian Fudge Truffles

Brigadeiros
You can find many versions of brigadeiros, but chocolate is the traditional flavor for these dense, chewy fudge balls rolled in sprinkles, a treasured treat in Brazil. Get the recipe for Brazilian Fudge Truffles »SAVEUR

Brazilian Pickled Chiles (Conserva de Pimenta)

Brazilian Pickled Chiles (Conserva de Pimenta)
These Brazilian pickled chiles are a classic condiment alongside rice and beans, roast pork, or fish. Get the recipe for Brazilian Pickled Chiles (Conserva de Pimenta) »James Oseland

Steak with Melted Mozzarella (Filé Marajoara)

Steak with Melted Mozzarella
Fresh water buffalo cheese melted over filet mignon is a classic dish of Soure, Brazil; mozzarella is a perfect substitute. This recipe first appeared in our June/July 2012 issue along with Neide Rigo's story Passage to the Amazon. Get the recipe for Steak with Melted Mozzarella »James Oseland

Banana and Cheese Pudding (Sombremesa de Banana com Queijo)

Banana and Cheese Pudding (Sombremesa de Banana com Queijo)
Fresh bananas layered with sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese combine in a sumptuous Brazilian dessert. Get the recipe for Banana and Cheese Pudding (Sombremesa de Banana com Queijo) »James Oseland

Brazilian Shrimp Stew (Vapatá)

Brazilian Shrimp Stew (Vatapá)
Brazilian Shrimp Stew can have almost anything—onions, tomatoes, ginger, okra, and chiles might go into the pot, along with chicken, salt cod, or shrimp—but there's always coconut milk and palm oil, which provide a luxurious texture and signature floral notes. Get the recipe for Brazilian Shrimp Stew (Vapatá) »Todd Coleman

Brazilian Salt Cod Stew

Brazilian Salt Cod Stew
Salt cod is a staple in South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. This recipe comes from Neide Rigo, a Brazilian food blogger. Get the recipe for Brazilian Salt Cod Stew »Andre Baranowski

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