Brazilian Christmas Farofa (Farofa de Natal)

Brazilian Christmas Farofa (Farofa de Natal)

This festive Brazilian farofa blends smoky bacon, savory chorizo, and aromatic vegetables with coarse toasted cassava flour—a staple that adds irresistible crunch. Sweet dried apricots, briny green olives, and buttery Brazil nuts create a vibrant balance of flavors and textures, while fresh parsley brightens each bite. Traditionally served during Christmas feasts, this farofa stands out for its rich, hearty profile and its signature mix of salty, sweet, and nutty elements that make it an essential holiday side dish in Brazil.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 (591.5 ml) cups coarse cassava flour (farinha de mandioca)
• 5 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup (118 g) dry chorizo sausage, cubed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup (118 g) dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup (118 g) pitted green olives, chopped
• 1/3 cup (78 g) parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp (44 ml) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (59 g) toasted Brazil nuts, chopped
• Black pepper, to taste

Method:

Place a large skillet on the stove over medium low heat.

Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to crisp up, about 5 minutes. Add the chorizo and onion and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and green bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.

Add the butter and let the butter melt. Add the course cassava flour and dried apricots and stir constantly to toast, about 5 minutes. Stir in the green olives and most of the parsley and season to taste with pepper.

Garnish with toasted Brazil nuts and remaining parsley. Serve warm.