What Do Brazilians Eat For Thanksgiving?

The rich cultural diversity of Brazil often leads to a fusion of culinary traditions that Brazilians eat for Thanksgiving from around the world. While Thanksgiving is not a widely celebrated occasion, some Brazilians do choose to embrace its spirit by incorporating elements of this holiday into their meals. 

Brazil, a country celebrated for its vibrant culture and culinary diversity, approaches Thanksgiving with its own unique flair. As we delve into this topic, we'll uncover the fascinating blend of traditions and flavors that make up a Brazilian Thanksgiving celebration. From regional specialties to international influences, the festive dishes on Brazilian tables reflect the country's cultural tapestry.

Some Brazilians may incorporate elements of the Thanksgiving feast into their meals. Roast turkey, often seasoned with Brazilian spices, may take center stage, accompanied by Brazilian side dishes like farofa (toasted manioc flour), rice, and black beans.  It's also not uncommon for pumpkin-based desserts or pies to appear, blending a touch of American Thanksgiving tradition with the vibrant flavors of Brazil's culinary landscape.

Join us in this exploration of Brazilian Thanksgiving cuisine, where we'll uncover the stories behind the dishes and the spirit of gratitude that unites families across Brazil. 

Get ready to discover the delectable delights that unite Brazilians to give thanks in their own distinctive way.

Picanha Roast

With just 3 basic ingredients, this traditional Picanha Roast (sirloin cap) is prepared in the oven. As a result, you get a juicy, tender piece of beef with a melt-in-your-mouth layer of crispy, golden brown fat on top. Serve yuca fries with them! Now you can avoid going (and paying) to the top steakhouses in Brazil during Thanksgiving.

Turkey Feijoada

Turkey Feijoada features succulent turkey combined with black beans, smoked sausage, and aromatic spices, creating a hearty stew. The result is a fusion of Brazilian and American flavors, offering a unique and savory dish perfect for those looking to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Coxinha

Indulge in the rich flavors of Brazil with these Coxinha or Chicken Croquettes. These delectable, deep-fried snacks feature a savory filling of seasoned shredded chicken, encased in a creamy dough, and coated with crispy breadcrumbs. 

A popular Brazilian treat, Coxinha adds a delightful twist to Thanksgiving, offering a taste of Brazilian cuisine for those seeking a multicultural feast that celebrates both traditional American and Brazilian flavors.

Farofa

Elevate your Thanksgiving table with Farofa, the quintessential Brazilian side dish. Made from toasted manioc flour, Farofa is a flavorful and versatile accompaniment. It's sautéed with onions, garlic, and spices, adding a unique crunch and nutty essence to your feast. 

This beloved Brazilian staple is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread, infusing the meal with a touch of Brazilian culinary tradition that's sure to delight and surprise your guests.

Camarão na Moranga (Brazilian Shrimp Stuffed Pumpkin)

One popular Brazilian dish for Thanksgiving is Camarão na Moranga, a creamy shrimp stew served inside a large pumpkin. It combines the flavors of pumpkin, shrimp, onions, garlic, tomatoes, flour, milk, cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. This savory and indulgent dish hails from the coast of São Paulo and is often featured as the centerpiece of gatherings. 

Pão de Queijo

Pão de Queijo, also known as Brazilian Cheese Bread, is a gluten-free snack loved by Brazilians, especially during Thanksgiving in Brazil. This recipe combines tapioca flour and a mix of cheeses to create a chewy and flavorful bread. Perfectly bite-sized when made in a mini muffin tin, Pão de Queijo is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. 

Pineapple Glazed Ham

Thanksgiving gets a Brazilian twist with this pineapple glazed ham recipe. Brazilians celebrate the holiday with a flavorful fusion of succulent ham glazed in a tropical blend of pineapple and Brazilian spices. This dish captures the essence of Brazilian culinary influence on Thanksgiving, offering a delightful taste of Brazil right at the holiday table. 

Brazilian Rice

Brazilian Rice is a staple on Brazilian tables that features fragrant white rice cooked with garlic and onions. Simple yet flavorful, it embodies the Brazilian culinary tradition, offering a side that perfectly complements the holiday feast. 

Brazilian-Style Collard Greens

Brazilian collard greens, known as couve a mineira, are a quick and flavorful side dish enjoyed by Brazilians during Thanksgiving and other occasions. This recipe features thinly sliced collard greens cooked in smoky ham-infused fat, along with garlic, onions, salt, and pepper. It pairs perfectly with feijoada and coconut rice. For a vegan twist, smoked turkey can be used instead of ham hocks. 

Quindim

Brazilians Thanksgiving Quindim dessert recipe. This golden, custard-like treat is sweet and rich and features a vibrant yellow color from egg yolks and sugar. A beloved dessert in Brazil, Quindim adds a touch of sweetness to your holiday table, making it a delightful Thanksgiving indulgence that showcases the country's rich culinary heritage and love for vibrant flavors.

Brigadeiro

Brigadeiros are a beloved Brazilian dessert enjoyed during Thanksgiving and various celebrations. Combining sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate, the fudge-like mixture is cooked, chilled, rolled into balls, and coated with sprinkles. These delightful treats are a must-have at parties and will surely satisfy any sweet tooth. 

Cocada de Forno

Cocada de Forno or Brazilian Baked Coconut is a sweet treat consisting of a luscious blend of coconut, condensed milk, and sugar, baked to perfection. It brings a tropical touch to your Thanksgiving spread, showcasing the beloved Brazilian coconut flavor and the warmth of Brazilian culinary traditions that find their way to the holiday table.

Brazilian Carrot Cake

Brazilian Carrot Cake combines pureed carrots, eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder to create a moist and flavorful cake. Baked in a 15×10-inch pan, it is then topped with a luscious chocolate glaze. 

Brazilian Potato Salad

This delightful Brazilian Potato Salad recipe is a twist on the classic potato salad. It features potatoes, mayonnaise, and a medley of herbs and spices. This dish adds a vibrant, South American flair to your holiday feast, illustrating how Brazilians blend their culinary heritage with Thanksgiving traditions, offering a flavorful and refreshing side dish that's perfect for the occasion.

Bolinho de Bacalhau

Bolinho de Bacalhau is a popular Brazilian appetizer made with salted codfish, potatoes, onions, garlic, parsley, and eggs. These ingredients are mixed together, formed into small oval balls or patties, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Brazilians enjoy Bolinho de Bacalhau as a popular Thanksgiving dish in Brazil. 

Brazilian-Style Cornbread with Coconut

Brazilian-style Cornbread with Coconut is a delightful treat enjoyed by Brazilians during Thanksgiving in Brazil. This recipe combines eggs, sugar, coconut oil, milk, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, shredded coconut, baking powder, and optional caraway seeds. 

The batter is blended until smooth, poured into a greased baking pan, and baked until golden. The result is a moist and flavorful cornbread that pairs perfectly with coffee. 

Brazilian Black-Eyed Peas and Rice

This Brazilian Black-Eyed Peas and Rice recipe is a beloved one-pot dish enjoyed by families in Brazil, especially during Thanksgiving. This flavorful recipe combines black-eyed peas, onions, garlic, bacon, and white rice to create a comforting and hearty meal.

Perfect for special occasions like weddings and anniversaries, this traditional Brazilian dish brings warmth and deliciousness to the table. 

Tutu de Feijão

Black Bean Puree, known as Tutu de Feijão, is a versatile Brazilian side dish or topping. This recipe combines soaked black beans, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cilantro leaves. 

After cooking, the beans are blended with cooking liquid until smooth, then thickened with cassava flour. Whether made with dry or canned black beans, this dish can be enjoyed by Brazilians during Thanksgiving in Brazil. 

Cuscuz Paulista

Cuscuz Paulista is a Brazilian dish influenced by the North African couscous. It has regional variations and is often served as an appetizer or main dish alongside white rice. This recipe includes ingredients like green bell peppers, onions, garlic, shrimp, olive oil, sardines, cornmeal, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. 

Brazilian Fruit Salad

This Brazilian Fruit Salad, known as Salada de Frutas, is a delightful and nutritious treat that Brazilians enjoy during Thanksgiving in Brazil. Made with a medley of tropical fruits like papaya, pineapple, bananas, mango, and watermelon, this salad bursts with refreshing flavors. 

The fruits are tossed with a mixture of orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of sweetness from sugar or honey. Serve it plain or with toppings like yogurt, granola, ice cream, or heavy cream.