Coxinha

Coxinha is a cherished Brazilian snack that consists of chopped or shredded chicken meat encased in a dough, shaped like a teardrop, and then battered and fried to perfection. This delicious treat has an intriguing origin story tied to the son of Princess Isabel of Brazil and has since become a cornerstone of Brazilian cuisine.

To make coxinha, you begin with a dough made from wheat flour and chicken broth. This dough is then filled with a savory mixture of spiced chicken, creamy Catupiry cheese, onions, parsley, and scallions. Once filled, the dough is shaped to resemble a chicken drumstick, coated in batter and breadcrumbs (or sometimes manioc flour), and deep-fried until golden and crispy.

There are several variations of coxinha across Brazil. For instance, in the Minas Gerais region, you might find coxinha mineira, which incorporates maize. Cheese-filled coxinhas are also popular in many snack bars around the country.

Home cooks and enthusiasts often get creative with their coxinhas, using unconventional ingredients like peas, mushrooms, palm hearts, and even vegetarian alternatives to the traditional chicken filling.

In addition to coxinha, Brazil offers other deep-fried delights such as battered and fried chicken legs and nuggets made from chicken breast pieces.

Interestingly, the term "coxinha" has also found its way into political slang. In São Paulo, some left-wing groups use "coxinha" as a pejorative term for individuals with conservative views who enjoy a lavish lifestyle.