Crisped Farofa with Bacon and Onions
A savory toasted cassava flour side dish with crispy bacon and caramelized onions, perfect for accompanying Brazilian meats. This brazilian-inspired quick meals ready in about 30 minutes pairs diced bacon strips, medium, finely chopped yellow onion, tablespoons unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 slices, diced bacon strips
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups cassava flour (farinha de mandioca)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 6 diced bacon slices. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and fat is rendered.
- Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion to the skillet with the bacon. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the onions are golden and fragrant.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in 2 cups cassava flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toast the mixture for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until the farofa turns golden and slightly crispy.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish. Serve warm alongside grilled meats or feijoada.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisped Farofa with Bacon and Onions take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Crisped Farofa with Bacon and 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 diced bacon strips from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crisped Farofa with Bacon and 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 Crisped Farofa with Bacon and Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
What goes well with Crisped Farofa with Bacon and Onions?
Brazilian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.