Farofa, also recognized as Brazilian Toasted Manioc Flour, stands out prominently as a versatile and delightful side dish, suitable for any occasion. This traditional Brazilian delicacy relies heavily on manioc flour, derived from the cassava root, as its primary ingredient. Transitioning to the process of toasting the manioc flour in a skillet until achieving a delightful golden brown hue not only renders it crispy but also fills the kitchen with an aromatic fragrance.
Whether adorned simply or embellished with an array of toppings—bacon, onions, garlic, eggs, tomatoes, carrots, parsley, and chives—Farofa offers a spectrum of flavors, designed to tantalize the palate.
Proceeding with this straightforward recipe guarantees a delectable and authentic Farofa experience. Begin by toasting the manioc flour in a skillet alongside bacon, onions, garlic, and eggs, skillfully infusing it with rich flavors. Transitioning to the final stages, introduce tomatoes, carrots, parsley, and chives to inject a vibrant and fresh touch, thus elevating the dish to new heights.
The adaptability of Farofa makes it an ideal accompaniment to various Brazilian classics, such as feijoada (black bean stew), churrasco (grilled meats), or Picadinho de Carne. Furthermore, it effortlessly doubles as a delightful snack or appetizer, offering a tantalizing taste of Brazilian culinary excellence.
Ingredients (5 servings):
- 50 g (1.75 oz) bacon, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups manioc flour
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- Olive oil, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Parsley and chives, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine.
- Crack the eggs over the top of the mixture and cook until set.
- Add the manioc flour and seasonings, and stir to combine.
- Cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the tomato, carrot, parsley, and chives. Cook for 2 minutes more.
- Serve immediately.
Tips:
- For a more flavorful farofa you can use bacon that has been smoked over hickory or apple wood.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the farofa for a crunchy texture.
- For a spicy farofa, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasonings.
- Serve the farofa with your favorite Brazilian dishes, such as feijoada (black bean stew), churrasco (grilled meats) or picadinho de carne.
