Vegan Traditional Brazilian Cuzcuz

Savor the vibrant flavors of Brazil with this Vegan Traditional Brazilian Cuzcuz, a plant-based twist on a beloved classic! Made with fine yellow cornmeal, creamy coconut milk, and an array of fresh, colorful additions like cherry tomatoes, green olives, sweet corn, and red bell peppers, this gluten-free dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Packed with wholesome peas and fragrant parsley, the Cuzcuz is steamed to perfection, creating a light yet hearty texture that’s perfect for any meal. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this gorgeous dish doubles as a centerpiece, thanks to its decorative layering of vegetables. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a flavorful slice of Brazil that everyone—vegans and non-vegans alike—will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups fine yellow cornmeal
• 1.5 cups water
• 0.5 cups coconut milk
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 6 green olives (pitted and sliced)
• 0.5 cups cooked peas
• 0.5 cups sweet corn kernels (cooked)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 0.25 cups chopped red bell pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix the fine yellow cornmeal, salt, and coconut milk together until evenly combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.

Step 2

Gradually add 1.5 cups of water to the cornmeal mixture, stirring to fully hydrate. Let it rest for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Step 3

Grease a medium-sized steamer mold (or a heatproof shallow bowl) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 4

Arrange the cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped red bell pepper at the bottom and sides of the mold as a decorative layer.

Step 5

In a large bowl, mix the hydrated cornmeal with the cooked peas, sweet corn, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped parsley to the mixture and stir well.

Step 6

Carefully press the cornmeal mixture into the prepared mold, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon to ensure it is compact.

Step 7

Place the mold in a steamer and steam over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until the Cuzcuz feels firm to the touch.

Step 8

Remove the mold from the steamer and let it rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly.

Step 9

Invert the mold onto a serving plate and gently release the Cuzcuz. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1903.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1656.1

Total Fat 53.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2717.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 281.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.0g	0%
Total Sugars 43.8g
Protein 35.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 226.1mg	0%
Iron 11.8mg	0%
Potassium 3015.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.4%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 64.4%