Dairy-Free Traditional Brazilian Cuscuz
Discover the comforting simplicity of Dairy-Free Traditional Brazilian Cuscuz, a classic dish that highlights the rich culinary heritage of Brazil. Made with flaked pre-cooked cornmeal known as "flocão de milho," this gluten-free and vegan-friendly recipe transforms humble ingredients like cornmeal, water, and salt into a fluffy and aromatic delight. Perfected through steaming in a traditional cuscuzeira or an improvised setup, the cuscuz boasts a light, crumbly texture ideal for pairing with plant-based spreads, sautéed vegetables, or sweet fruit preserves. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and wholesome dish is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a side. Enjoy a piece of Brazilian culture with this satisfying and versatile recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups cornmeal (flaked, pre-cooked corn flour – fine, called 'flocão de milho' in Portuguese)
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, add the cornmeal and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the salt.
2. Gradually add the water to the cornmeal while mixing with your hands or a spoon. Mix until the cornmeal is moistened but not soggy. The texture should resemble wet sand.
3. Let the moistened cornmeal rest for 5 minutes to hydrate and soften.
4. While the cornmeal is resting, prepare your cuscuzeira (a traditional Brazilian cuscuz steamer). If you don't have one, you can use a standard steamer or improvise with a pot and a metal strainer that fits snugly inside.
5. Fill the bottom pot with about 1-1.5 inches of water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
6. Once the water boils, transfer the moist cornmeal mixture to the upper section of the cuscuzeira or your chosen steamer. Spread it evenly, but do not press it down too firmly; keep the mixture light and fluffy to ensure steam passes through.
7. Cover the steamer or pot with a lid and let the cuscuz steam for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cuscuz is firm and easily separates from the sides of the steamer.
8. Carefully remove the cuscuz from the steamer and transfer it to a serving plate. Use a fork to fluff the texture if needed.
9. Serve hot as is, or pair it with dairy-free sides like coconut oil, plant-based butter, sautéed vegetables, or fruit preserves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1110 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.5 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1202 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 237.0 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g | ||
| Protein | 21.0 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 20 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 426 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
