Cassava Flour Farofa with Caramelized Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Brazilian side dish of toasted cassava flour mixed with golden onions, offering a nutty, savory flavor that complements grilled meats perfectly. This brazilian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cassava flour (farinha de mandioca), medium onion, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely dice 1 medium onion and melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter with 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Cook the diced onion until golden and caramelized, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup cassava flour and 1/2 tsp kosher salt, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the flour is toasted and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, letting the mixture cool slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cassava Flour Farofa with Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cassava Flour Farofa with Caramelized Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cassava Flour Farofa with Caramelized Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cassava Flour Farofa with Caramelized Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cassava Flour Farofa with Caramelized Onions vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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