Traditional Brazilian Cuzcuz
Transport your taste buds to Brazil with this Traditional Brazilian Cuzcuz recipe, a beloved staple that combines simplicity with rich heritage. Made with coarse cornmeal, this steamed dish transforms into a fluffy, golden cake with just a handful of basic ingredients like water, salt, and optional sugar for a touch of sweetness. Prepared using a traditional couscous pot or a makeshift steamer, the cuzcuz is infused with delicate flavors and finished with a melt-in-your-mouth drizzle of butter. Whether served with savory sides like scrambled eggs and cheese or sweetened with milk, this classic recipe is a versatile comfort food perfect for breakfast, a light snack, or any time of the day. It’s an authentic taste of Brazil that’s easy to recreate in your kitchen, ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups coarse cornmeal
- 1.5 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoons sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoons butter
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coarse cornmeal, salt, and sugar if using.
Step 2
Gradually add the water to the bowl while stirring constantly to moisten the cornmeal evenly. The mixture should have the texture of damp sand.
Step 3
Let the mixture rest for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb the water fully.
Step 4
Fill the bottom of a couscous pot or a large saucepan (with a fitted steamer basket) with water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 5
Transfer the moistened cornmeal mixture to the top part of the couscous pot or into the steamer basket lined with a kitchen cloth to prevent slipping through.
Step 6
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the cornmeal for about 15 to 20 minutes until it is cooked through and slightly fluffy.
Step 7
Check the water level occasionally, adding more if necessary to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 8
Once cooked, transfer the cuzcuz to a serving dish and fluff it with a fork.
Step 9
While still hot, dot the top with butter to melt through. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as cheese, scrambled eggs, or milk.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 689.6 grams (689.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1263 |
| Total Fat 23.20g | 30% |
| Saturated Fat 7.90g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.40g | |
| Cholesterol 33mg | 11% |
| Sodium 1285mg | 56% |
| Total Carbohydrate 249.60g | 91% |
| Dietary Fiber 21.90g | 78% |
| Total Sugars 14.50g | |
| Protein 21.70g | 43% |
| Vitamin D 2IU | 11% |
| Calcium 43mg | 3% |
| Iron 6mg | 35% |
| Potassium 430mg | 9% |
Source of Calories