12 Traditional Brazilian Christmas Recipes You'll Want To Try #BrazilianCuisine #christmas2025

turkey

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner and more affordable than turkey.

farofa

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: rice

Quinoa offers a gluten-free alternative with protein.

chestnuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: pecans

Pecans are often less expensive and provide similar texture.

pineapple

🥗Healthier: mango

💰Cheaper: apples

Apples are widely available and add sweetness.

Begin 12 to 24 hours prior to roasting the bird. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, cinnamon, soy sauce, and passion fruit juice and blend well.

Put the bird in a large zip-loc bag, pour the marinade mixture over, press out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinade the bird in the refrigerator, turning the bag over once or twice during this time.

Take the bird out of the refrigerator about 1/2 hour before beginning to roast it.

Preheat oven to 375F (190C).

Put the bird in a large roasting pan, pour the marinade over and around it, and brush the skin of the bird with the melted butter.

Put the bird in the oven and roast it, basting from time to time with pan juices. Roast for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).

Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes, loosely covered with aluminum foil.

Meanwhile, make the gravy. Stir the cornstarch into the passion fruit juice. Heat the juices remaining in the roasting pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up solid bits.

Add the passion fruit juice, and bring all to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the gravy has thickened. Season with salt and pepper and add passion fruit seeds if desired.

Serve the bird whole to be carved at the table, and pass the gravy separately.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens