Roast chicken with farofa

Roast chicken with farofa is a delicious Brazilian dish that combines juicy roast chicken with a flavorful side dish made from toasted cassava (manioc) flour. Here’s a recipe for you:

Ingredients:

For the Roast Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, cut into quarters
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Paprika, for seasoning (optional)
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

For the Farofa:

• 1 cup cassava (manioc) flour (farinha de mandioca)
• 2-3 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

For the Roast Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels. Season the chicken cavity with salt, pepper, and the minced garlic.
3. Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika, if using. You can also place the lemon quarters and fresh herbs inside the chicken cavity for added flavor.
4. Place the seasoned chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up.
5. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
6. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

For the Farofa:

1. While the chicken is roasting, you can prepare the farofa. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter or vegetable oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until they become translucent.
3. Stir in the cassava flour (farinha de mandioca) and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is toasted and slightly golden, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Add the cooked and crumbled bacon (if using) and green onions to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine all the ingredients.

To Serve:

Slice the roast chicken, and serve it with the farofa on the side. Farofa can also be served with other Brazilian side dishes like feijoada or rice and beans.

Enjoy your delicious roast chicken with farofa, a classic Brazilian dish that’s full of flavor and a real crowd-pleaser!