Cream Cracker Farofa with Egg and Cheese

Prep: 20 min6 servingsmediumBrazilian
Cream Cracker Farofa with Egg and Cheese

Brazilian-style toasted breadcrumb dish made from crushed cream crackers mixed with sautéed vegetables, corn, olives, raisins, eggs, and parmesan. Seasoned with garlic, peppers, and fresh herbs, then finished with margarine and hard-boiled eggs for a savory, textured side.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 package cream crackers, crushed
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can corn
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ½ cup green olives, finely chopped
    black olives1:1

    milder flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup raisins
    dried cranberries1:1

    slight tartness

    Full guide →
  • 11 tbsp margarine
    butter1:1dairyadds dairy

    enhances richness

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup parsley and chives, finely chopped
    fresh cilantro1:1

    different herbaceous note

  • 4 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
    pecorino Romano1:1dairydairy-free

    similar salt and tang

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Crush the cream cracker package in a food processor or wrap in a cloth napkin and pound with a mallet until coarse breadcrumbs form. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil in a pan with crushed garlic and onion until softened.

  3. 3

    Add the red and green peppers, corn, olives, and raisins. Sauté well, stirring constantly.

  4. 4

    Gradually add the crushed crackers while stirring. Add the margarine, parsley, and chives.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs and grated parmesan cheese.

Tips

Tip 1

Crush crackers to coarse breadcrumb consistency for better texture.

Tip 2

Stir constantly while sautéing to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Tip 3

Add crushed crackers gradually to control moisture and prevent clumping.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Can be reheated gently in a pan.

Make Ahead

Prepare crushed crackers and chop all vegetables the day before. Assemble and cook just before serving.

Serve With

Serve warm as a side dish with rice, beans, and grilled meats. Traditional at Brazilian barbecues.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not over-crush crackers or they will become too fine and create a paste-like texture.

Watch

Do not skip constant stirring during the sauté to avoid burning the vegetables and crackers.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

margarine
butter1:1dairyadds dairy

enhances richness

Full guide →
parmesan
pecorino Romano1:1dairydairy-free

similar salt and tang

Full guide →

General Alternatives

green olives
black olives1:1

milder flavor

Full guide →
raisins
dried cranberries1:1

slight tartness

Full guide →
parsley and chives
fresh cilantro1:1

different herbaceous note

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →