Brazilian Coxinha
Coxinha ("little thigh") is one of the most famous savory snacks in Brazil and is 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. Of course, we offer an easier version without the breading and frying as well (see notes).Tip: Fill any leftover dough with a cube of cheese and/ or ham, and optionally hot chili slices.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken cooked and shredded
Fresh Produce
- 1 large tomato finely chopped
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 onion finely chopped
Dairy
- 1/2 cup cream cheese optional
Packaged Goods/Staples
- 1 cup chicken broth
- oil
- salt & pepper
Dough*
- 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups rice flour
- 3 oz butter
Breading*
- 1 egg whisked
- 1-2 cups flour gluten free: almond flour
White dipping sauce (optionally)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese
Coxinha 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 low heat.
- Fry garlic and onions until the onions turn translucent.
- Add chicken, tomatoes, green onions, and salt to taste.
- Season with the Coxinha spices to taste. Start with 1 tsp.
- Cook 10 min. Add broth and opt. cream cheese.
- Cook about 10-20 minutes until the liquid is reduced.
Dough*
- In a POT, heat broth and melt butter.
- Over low heat, add flour and salt & pepper to taste.
- Stir constantly until smooth and the dough loosens from the pot. Let it 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.
- Fry Coxinhas 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
- mixed vegetables and chopped mushrooms or
- your favorite cheese or
- a combination of any of these ingredients to taste.
- Skip the dough, breading, and frying.
- Add 1 cup heavy cream to the filling. Serve the sauce over rice, noodles, or potatoes.