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Salpicão

Serves 4 to 6 Salad chicken, Salads

Salpicão

Salpicão is a staple at Brazilian festas, where the salt is judged by hand, and the fat is used generously to bring people together around a table set for sharing. This home version reflects how a Brazilian family cook actually presents it, capturing the essence of celebration in every bite. It's a dish that brings the warmth of communal dining to any occasion, whether a lively party or a simple family meal.

The flavor is a delightful contrast of textures and tastes: tender shredded chicken mingles with crisp carrots, sweet raisins, and creamy mayonnaise, all crowned with the satisfying crunch of potato sticks. The balance of salt enhances every ingredient, making each mouthful a burst of harmonious flavors.

Ingredients

  • 400 gshredded chicken
  • 2carrots — grated
  • 100 gmayonnaise
  • raisins — optional
  • to finishpotato sticks
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the components for Salpicão. Peel and grate the 2 carrots using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated carrots in a large mixing bowl. Add 400 g of shredded chicken to the bowl, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed among the carrots.
  2. Add 100 g of mayonnaise to the mixing bowl with the chicken and carrots. This will act as the creamy base for your Salpicão. Mix gently with a large spoon or spatula, ensuring the mayonnaise coats the chicken and carrots evenly.
  3. Incorporate a handful of raisins into the mixture. The sweetness of the raisins will contrast nicely with the savory elements. Toss gently to combine, taking care not to mash the ingredients.
  4. Dress the mixture with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add brightness. Season with fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed. Mix gently to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
  5. Finish by topping the Salpicão with a generous handful of potato sticks. These will add a delightful crunch to the dish. Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the potato sticks.
  6. Present the Salpicão with slices of fresh bread on the side. This dish is best enjoyed as a shared meal, embodying the spirit of Brazilian festas.
Cover of Authentic Brazilian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Brazilian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Brazilian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Brazilian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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