Brazilian Coxinha
Coxinha ("little thigh") is one of the most famous savory snacks in Brazil and indispensable to any party. Each bar and each family has its own recipe. The fried crisp 'drumsticks' filled with a well-seasoned sauce are so scrumptious - you can't just have one. Tip: Fill any leftover dough with a cube of cheese and/ or ham, and optionally hot chili slices.
Ingredients
Shopping list
- 1 lb chicken cooked and shredded
- 1 large tomato finely chopped
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cream cheese optional
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 onion finely chopped
- oil
- salt & pepper
Dough
- 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups flour
- 3 oz butter
Breading
- 1 egg whisked
- 1-2 cups flour
White dipping sauce (optionally)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese
Culinary Spice Kit
- Marjoram, oregano, white & black pepper, nutmeg, basil, chili, parsley, and bay leaves
Instructions
Filling
- In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
- Fry garlic and onions until the onions turn translucent.
- Add chicken, tomatoes, green onions, and salt to taste.
- Season with half of the Coxinha spices, add more to taste.
- Cook 10 min. Add broth, opt. cream cheese.
- Cook about 10-20 minutes until the liquid is reduced.
Dough
- In a POT, heat broth and melt butter in it.
- Over low heat, add flour and salt & pepper to taste.
- Stir constantly until it becomes smooth and loosens from the pot. Let cool.
Coxinha
- Form a “golf” ball with the dough.
- Flatten it in your palm.
- Place the filling in the center, close, and form a smooth ball. Optionally, mold it into a drumstick or any other shape.
Breading
- Coat Coxinhas in egg, then in flour.
Frying
- In a POT, heat enough oil to cover Coxinhas and fry them until they turn golden all around.
White dipping sauce (optionally)
- Heat milk with salt & pepper. Stir in the cream cheese.
Serve
- Serve Coxinhas with a fresh salad and a dipping sauce.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Variations
- Substitute chicken with any ground meat or with mixed vegetables and chopped mushrooms or with your favorite cheese or combine any of these ingredients to taste.
- Short version without forming the drumstick-balls:
Skip the dough and add 1 cup heavy cream to the filling. Serve the sauce over rice, noodles, or potatoes.