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Month: January 2024

One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken

Posted on by John Reynolds

coconut lime chicken with fresh lime and cilantro garnishes

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Coconut milk is a popular ingredient in many Brazilian recipes, like savory pumpkin stew or the famous moqueca. It lends a creamy, tropical note to any dish, and this one pan coconut lime chicken recipe is no exception. It incorporates the bright taste of coconut and lime, with the earthier, warming spices of a traditional curry. It comes together in less than an hour and cooks in one pot for easy clean up. In other words: one pan coconut lime chicken is your next go-to weeknight dinner. 

Is One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken Spicy?

Yes, this recipe has a bit of a kick to it. It has both cayenne pepper and diced jalapeno, so we’d give it a heat rating of medium to medium high. That being said, you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Want more heat? Add another jalapeno or a pinch more cayenne. Prefer it mild? Remove the ribs and seeds from your jalapeno, use half the cayenne, or skip the spicy bits all together. 

Healthy Versions of Coconut Lime Chicken

There are a couple ways you can tone down the calories in your one pan coconut lime chicken dinner. While we love the silky, creamy texture and toasted flavor of full fat coconut milk, we are aware it is not the most waist-friendly of ingredients. You can substitute fat-free coconut milk if you are trying to limit your calorie intake. You can also use chicken breasts in place of chicken thighs, which are slightly higher in fat and calories. 

What to Serve with One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken?

Our favorite thing to eat with this chicken, or almost any Brazilian dish, is Brazilian rice. It is a simple recipe of white rice toasted with garlic and onions, then simmered in water or broth until fluffy but not sticky. This style of rice is served with nearly every meal in Brazil. It is so popular that many Brazilians prepare a jar of the aromatics (“refogado”) ahead of time. 

Another great pairing would be crispy yuca fries. Serve the chicken and a generous ladleful of the coconut lime sauce over a bed of fried yuca and *chef’s kiss* you’ll have your new favorite comfort food.

Chicken Breasts vs Chicken Thighs

We like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this recipe for three reasons:  

  1. They have a deeper flavor that can stand up to the spices 
  2. It is much harder to overcook thighs.  
  3. They are way cheaper than chicken breasts. 

However, you can absolutely substitute the chicken thighs for breasts in your one pan coconut lime chicken. 

Can You Freeze One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken?

Sure. You can store leftovers or a make-ahead version in your freezer for up to three months. We’d recommend thawing it in the oven, however, as opposed to the stove top, so you don’t aggressively reheat the chicken. Bake it covered in an oven-safe dish at 350 for around an hour, then squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top to awaken the zing you may have lost from the cold. 

One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 2 inch cubes
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, minced
1 can stewed, diced tomatoes
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh, chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: in a bowl, combine the chicken with coriander, cumin, cayenne, turmeric, salt, black pepper ,fresh  lime juice, and a splash of olive oil. Toss the chicken until evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
  2. Preheat the Pan: heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  3. Cook the Chicken: place the marinated chicken in the pan and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  4. Saute Onions and Garlic: reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan you used for the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Saute the chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Pour in Coconut Milk: pour in the can of unsweetened coconut milk, stirring well to combine with the spices and onions.
  6. Add Tomatoes, Jalapeno, Bell Pepper, and Lime Juice: stir in the can of stewed, diced tomatoes. Return the browned chicken to the pan. Add fresh lime juice and diced jalapenos and bell pepper.
  7. Simmer: bring the mixture to a rolling simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the jalapenos and bell pepper have softened.
  8. Serve: once the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, serve your One Pan Coconut Lime Chicken over Brazilian rice or with your favorite side dishes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Texas de Brazil Meat Delivery

Don’t forget to order your butcher box to arrive in time for Valentine’s Day! Select from premium cuts of beef, pork, and lamb so you can prepare the perfect romantic dinner at home. For a limited time, orders of $150 or more earn a free Australian rack of lamb ($24 value). Visit our online market today to get started. 

Hot Chocolate with Condensed Milk

Posted on by John Reynolds

Brazilian Chocolate Quente Cremoso

white mug of hot chocolate

The winter months are in full swing here in the northern hemisphere, which means many of us are scrambling to stay warm or just pass the time on these short days. A cup of something cheerful seems in order, and there is nothing cozier (or more decadent) than a mug of steaming hot chocolate. It’s just the thing when you’re curled up with a good book, watching your favorite show, or just enjoying the winter scenery through your window. Of course, today we are offering a Brazilian spin on this classic beverage: hot chocolate with condensed milk–a must have ingredient for virtually anything sweet in Brazil. 

Is Hot Chocolate with Condensed Milk Thick?

Well, yes. Hot chocolate with condensed milk will naturally be thicker than if you had made it with just milk. It is still perfectly sippable and, in our opinion, that extra thickness only lends to the velvety texture and rich taste. 

That being said, if you prefer your hot chocolate a little thinner, you can always lessen the amount of condensed milk that you use. Much of the sweetness in this recipe is derived from the condensed milk, however, so you may need to add a little sugar or more semisweet chocolate to make up for it. 

Hot Chocolate vs Hot Cocoa?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, hot chocolate and hot cocoa are not the same thing. Both use a base of milk or sometimes water, but hot chocolate uses melted chocolate morsels or chopped bars, and hot cocoa uses cocoa powder. 

This recipe for hot chocolate with condensed milk is, technically, a hybrid. We are using both bittersweet chocolate bits and a little cocoa powder. In our opinion, the blend reins in the texture and keeps the taste from being too cloying. 

Can You Use Water in Hot Chocolate with Condensed Milk?

Sure. You can replace the whole milk in this recipe with water if you want a healthier option. But then again, it’s hot chocolate–it’s meant to be indulgent! We strongly suggest going no leaner than 2% milk in this recipe. Water simply doesn’t have the same creamy, slightly sweet profile as milk. 

What Spices/Toppings for Hot Chocolate?

You don’t need to add anything to this recipe, but if you want to spice up your hot chocolate with condensed milk, there are plenty of options. A dash of cinnamon never goes amiss. You could also add a smidge of peppermint extract or even orange, if you like that combo. Have fun with it. Some other fun toppings and additions might include:

  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed candy canes/peppermint
  • Chocolate sprinkles
  • Mini marshmallows or a dollop of marshmallow cream
  • Peppermint schnapps for the adults
  • Bailey’s or other coffee liqueur 
  • A splash of spiced rum or aged cachaca

Recipe for Creamy Hot Chocolate with Condensed Milk 

Ingredients:

4 cups whole milk
14 oz sweetened condensed milk (one can)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4.5 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped or in morsels
½ tsp Vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the milk and sweetened condensed milk over medium heat. When it begins to slowly simmer, stir in the cocoa powder. Next, add in the chocolate a little bit at the time, stirring in between each addition to allow it to melt. 
  2. Continue stirring the mixture over medium heat until all of the chocolate has melted and you have a smooth, creamy mixture. 
  3. Remove your Brazilian hot chocolate from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. 
  4. Serve hot in mugs with your favorite toppings and garnish. 

More Great Brazilian Recipes to Try

Valentine’s Day in Brazil

Posted on by John Reynolds

man with sign that says "happy valentine's day" in Portuguese

In the US, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14. Many of us are already researching and booking fancy restaurants to ensure the perfect romantic evening. But in Brazil, Valentine’s Day is observed in June. Brazilians have similar customs to honor a sweetheart, such as flowers and chocolates, along with a few unique traditions. Let’s take a closer look at how Brazil celebrates this holiday and a few ideas for the upcoming American version.  

Why Brazilian Valentine’s Day is in June

Valentine’s Day in Brazil takes place on June 12 for two reasons: 1) to honor Saint Anthony, a Catholic saint associated with matchmaking and prosperous marriage; and 2) because February is a time to prepare for the country’s largest and most famous celebration: Carnaval.  

In all actuality, it was one rather brilliant publicist who declared Brazilian Valentine’s Day to be on June 12. Joao Doria was hired by a clothing store in the late 1940s to come up with a strategy to boost sales. 

Inspired by enthusiasm and commercialism surrounding Brazilian Mother’s Day, Doria decided to try his hand at creating a new holiday. He chose the eve of St. Anthony’s death, likely to be more palatable to the Catholic majority, while providing Brazilians a day to celebrate love. It also conveniently aligns with the Festas Juninas, which also honor John the Baptist. 

The tactic worked quite well, and Brazilians have been celebrating their version of Valentine’s Day on June 12 ever since. Interestingly, a similar tactic was employed some years later in the establishment of Brazilian Father’s Day, an idea allegedly developed to boost a local newspaper’s sales. 

How is Valentine’s Day in Brazil Celebrated?

Valentine’s Day in Brazil is known as “Dia dos Namorados,” which means “Lovers Day.” It is celebrated in much the same way it is in the US: couples exchange tokens and enjoy a fine meal out or at home. Of course, Brazil adds its own spin with a few distinct traditions.

Simpatias for Brazilian Valentine’s Day

Singles in Brazil may also perform a little ritual to attract a sweetheart. These rituals are called simpatias, or “sympathies.” For example, a person looking for love might add a pinch of salt to a rose in water, then use the water to bathe two days later. Another common simpatia is to stash a love note in a pot of basil and give the plant to the person you wish to attract. 

There are over a hundred simpatias, but the most important element in each involves asking St. Anthony to bless you with a prosperous marriage or, at least, a beautiful romance. Some even put a little extra pressure on the saint by putting his picture upside down in a glass of water or cachaca until he sends the right person along! 

Singles Events

Being single on Valentine’s Day in Brazil can actually be a blast! Many bars and restaurants hold singles events with games, music, drinks, and more to pass the time with friends or maybe even find a new significant other. 

Festivals and Parades for Valentine’s Day in Brazil

In certain parts of Brazil, the streets are adorned with romantic decorations in preparation for parades or dedicated festivals. Food, music, and folk dancing (especially samba) are very popular. 

Valentine’s Day Ideas for 2024

If you’re feeling the pressure for Valentine’s Day this year, you’re not alone. Many people report feeling stressed, wanting to find the perfect gift or create an unforgettable experience. Luckily, Texas de Brazil is a one-stop shop for a truly memorable Valentine’s Day: 

Texas de Brazil is a Top Date Night Restaurant

With its delicious food, unparalleled service, and vibrant atmosphere, Texas de Brazil is the perfect date night spot any time of the year, including Valentine’s Day. A perfect balance of upscale dining balanced by a warm, unpretentious vibe, a romantic evening is all but guaranteed. 

Texas de Brazil Offers Take Out

If you and your sweetheart prefer a cozy night in, you can still enjoy a delicious churrasco meal. Texas de Brazil offers takeout meals with all of your favorite meats and side dishes cooked to perfection. All you have to do is set a beautiful table and serve. 

Texas de Brazil Delivers

If you want to wow your date with your culinary skills, why not order one of our butcher boxes? Rack of lamb, spicy picanha, choice cut steaks…you really can’t go wrong with our a la carte and package options. They’re delivered right to your door–no shopping necessary. 

Valentine’s Gift Ideas

Texas de Brazil even has the gift-giving aspect of Valentine’s Day covered. Our online shop has a variety of unique gifts for your person, including:

  • Aprons and oven mitts for the home cook or grill master
  • Premium golf balls and markers for the golfing enthusiast
  • A gorgeous bottle of extra virgin olive oil, made from 100% pressed Cacarena olives
  • A stainless steel 20 oz tumbler that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours
  • Gift cards in all increments for the carnivore in your life

Reserve Your Table Today

Tables fill up fast at Texas de Brazil, especially for holidays like Valentine’s Day. We recommend reserving your spot at least a couple weeks in advance, if not sooner! That being said, we are here to help you make your evening as successful as possible. If you have any questions, concerns, or details you’d like to include, give your server a head’s up or include special instructions in your reservation notes. We will do our utmost to accommodate you. Feliz Dia dos Namorados! 

 

Bolo Rei

Posted on by John Reynolds

bolo rei with one slice on a plate in front

Brazilian Kings Cake

The Kings Cake is a traditional dessert associated with Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day. This is a Catholic observance to commemorate the biblical visitation of Jesus by the Three Wise Men. There are variations around the world, including Brazil, where it is known as bolo rei. It is a simple yet impressive looking cake, with decorations added specifically for their symbolism. 

Bolo Rei History

Although the Catholic Church declared Epiphany a holy day in around 325 AD, the first King Cake is thought to have originated in France much later in the 13th or 14th century. Today, there are two primary versions of French bolo rei: the first is an almond frangipane wrapped in crisp puff pastry; the second, which is more popular in Southern France, is an orange-flavored brioche studded with candied fruits.  

The bolo rei has since made its way to a large part of the Western Christian world, and it is not limited to Epiphany. In New Orleans, for example, it is heavily associated with Mardi Gras and appears on tables throughout the month of January and up to the day before Lent (Ash Wednesday). 

What to Hide in Bolo Rei?

One of the traditions associated with the king cake is a hidden trinket. In most cases, it is a fava bean and/or a small toy. The person who has the slice with the bean must host the celebration the following year. The small toy is for one of the younger guests, who is then crowned  “king” for the day. 

In the past, the bean and toy were baked into the bolo rei. Today, it is best practice to insert them after the cake is baked to avoid surprise melting or unpleasant tastes. Just frost over the spot where you put them or cover them with the dried fruit. 

What is in Bolo Rei?

Bolo rei is more similar to the southern French version. You leaven the cake with yeast and decorate it with candied fruits that are soaked in copious amounts of port wine. Traditional fruits include candied red and green cherries, pineapple rings, and orange peels. Mixed nuts are also added for crunch. The toppings are meant to represent the gifts brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus: the golden crust is for gold, the candied fruit for the sticky myrrh resin, and the spicy aroma to mimic the scent of frankincense. 

Do You Have to Use Fruit in Bolo Rei?

Fruit is not everyone’s cup of tea, especially the dried and candied variety. You can omit the fruit entirely or exchange it for orange extract or cognac to get that citrusy flavor. There are also variations that use chocolate in place of the nuts (yum) and dust the topping with shaved chocolate and powdered sugar. Really, you can customize it however you like. Just don’t forget the fava bean and a little toy. 

Bolo Roi Recipe

Ingredients:

3 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp active dry yeast
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2.5 oz butter, softened
3 eggs
½ tsp salt
Zest from one orange
4 oz warm milk
4 oz port wine or brandy
¼ cup mixed candied fruits, chopped ( cherries, apricots, and citrus are good)
1 oz mixed nuts, chopped into small pieces
Whole pieces of dried fruit for the top
Whole nuts, like almonds, walnuts, and pecans, to decorate the top
Confectioner’s sugar

Directions: How to Make Bolo Rei

1: Activate the yeast

  • Heat the milk until lukewarm and dissolve a teaspoon of sugar in it.
  • Add the yeast to the milk-sugar mixture, stir gently, and set it aside for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2: Prepare the filling and topping

  • Soak the chopped candied fruit in a bowl with the port or brandy while you wait for the dough to rise. After 30 minutes, strain the infused fruit and mix in the chopped nuts. 

3: Prepare the dough

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest.
  • Add the activated yeast mixture, 2 eggs, softened butter, and fruit-and-nut mixture to the dry ingredients.
  • Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

 4: Assemble the Bolo Rei

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a ring, leaving a hole in the center.
  • Place the dough ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Brush the surface of the dough with 1 tbsp water mixed with the remaining egg. Arrange the whole candied fruits and nuts mixture on top, pressing them gently into the dough.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cake is golden brown.

 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Once baked, remove the Bolo Rei from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Alternatively, you can mix a couple tablespoons of strawberry jam with a little water to make a syrup to provide both sweetness and shine. 

More Great Brazilian Recipes to Try

Frango a Passarinho (Brazilian Fried Chicken)

Posted on by John Reynolds

frango a passarinho, brazilian fried chicken, piled on a white dish with a lime wedge garnish

Nearly every culture has a version of battered and fried chicken. From katsu in Japan to pollo frito in Italy, the combination of juicy chicken coated and a crunchy crust is a universal favorite. No surprise, then, that Brazil has its own version of fried chicken: frango a passarinho. It is a staple in the bar scene but is just as delicious when enjoyed at home. 

What is Frango a Passarinho?

Frango a passarinho has a somewhat comical English translation: “chicken like a little bird.” The name is a reference to the bite sized pieces that are used. A whole roasting chicken is reduced to mini morsels; you are effectively making a “little bird” from the bigger bird, or chicken. It’s probably best not to think too much about it. 

When Do Brazilians Eat Frango a Passarinho?

Brazilian fried chicken is often featured on petiscos menus. Petiscos are simply the Brazilian version of tapas–small dishes meant to be shared with friends at a crowded boteco, or bar. Brazilians will often make a night of it, socializing and wandering from bar to bar, enjoying frequent little bites to help insulate against the inebriating effects of alcohol. (Check out our recipe for montaditos for another petisco favorite.)

Do You Have to Use a Whole Chicken?

No, in fact our recipe for frango a passarinho uses only wings and drumettes. Traditional recipes often call for chopping up a whole chicken into tiny pieces–.even the wings are divided into two or three pieces. We’re of the opinion that this is a) too much work and b) too little reward per piece, especially when navigating around bones. Furthermore, the dark meat of the wings and drumettes is less prone to drying out than breast meat, which means you can get a crispier crust without overcooking them. 

Do You Marinate Frango a Passarinho?

Yes, a simple marinade of garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper is used to pump up the flavor and texture of your Brazilian fried chicken. We also like to add a little brown sugar for sweetness and some fresh, chopped cilantro for an herbaceous kick. You only need to marinate the chicken for an hour, but overnight will be ideal. 

Recipe for Brazilian Fried Chicken (Frango a Passarinho)

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken wings and drumettes
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
Juice of 2-3 limes (four tablespoons)
2 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
½ cup chopped cilantro
2 tbsp brown sugar
1.5 cups flour
Vegetable oil for frying
Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lime juice, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, brown sugar and cilantro. Toss in the chicken and stir until evenly coated, then let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  3. While the oil is heating, prepare your flour mixture: mix the flour, 1 tsp of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper in a shallow container. 
  4. Add a few pieces of chicken to the flour mixture and roll to coat. Shake off any excess and transfer the chicken to a tray or dish. Repeat until all the chicken has a nice dusting of flour.
  5. Place half the chicken carefully in the hot oil and cook until crisp and golden brown and they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees fahrenheit. This should take around 10-12 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cooling rack lined with paper towels. Repeat this process with the rest of the chicken.
  6. Add a squeeze of lime over the finished chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. 

Tips for Extra Crispy Brazilian Fried Chicken

  1. Make sure the oil is the right temperature. Oil that is too hot will result in a burnt crust and raw chicken. By contrast, oil that is too cold can result in a soggy crust that is too oily and pale in color.
  2. Fry the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pot will drop the oil temperature and cause uneven cooking.
  3. When dredging the chicken in the flour mixture, press the pieces into it with a good amount of force. This helps the mixture stay onto the chicken when frying. 

Brazilian Food Catered

Getting back to the grind for 2024? Why not start the year in style with Texas de Brazil’s catering service? Delicious churrasco meats and our famous side dishes brought right to your office will set the mood for a productive and motivated new year. Our dishes are slow-roasted, so please give us at least 5 hours to prepare your perfect meal. Go online to place an order today. 

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