Farofa with Toasted Cassava Flour and Bacon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Brazilian side dish featuring toasted cassava flour mixed with crispy bacon, onions, and fresh herbs for a smoky, savory accompaniment. This brazilian ready in about 25 minutes pairs bacon strips, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 oz diced bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the bacon fat in the skillet and melt. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups cassava flour and toast it in the skillet for 6-7 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns golden and smells nutty.
  4. Step 4: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and mix well with the toasted cassava flour.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve warm as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Farofa with Toasted Cassava Flour and Bacon 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 Farofa with Toasted Cassava Flour and Bacon?

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 bacon strips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Farofa with Toasted Cassava Flour and Bacon?

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 Farofa with Toasted Cassava Flour and Bacon 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 Farofa with Toasted Cassava Flour and Bacon?

Brazilian brazilian 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.

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