There’s nothing quite like the smell of Brazilian bolinho de chuva wafting through the house to bring back warm, nostalgic childhood memories. These classic “rain cakes” are the ultimate comfort food. Let’s start the week on a sweet note by making these crispy, fluffy Brazilian cornstarch fritters.
Ingredients for Brazilian Cornstarch Fritters:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (Maizena)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional, for a traditional touch)
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cinnamon sugar for dusting (mixed to taste)
How to make Brazilian Bolinho de Chuva:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- Add the eggs, milk, fennel seeds, and sugar. Mix until you have a smooth, thick batter.
- Heat the oil in a deep pot over medium heat.
- Using a tablespoon, carefully drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil.
- Fry 3 to 4 at a time to ensure even cooking.
- Once golden brown on all sides, remove the fritters and place them on paper towels to drain.
- While still warm, toss them quickly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Repeat until all the batter is used.
- Serve warm with a fresh cup of coffee and enjoy!
Pro-Tips:
Add a tiny pinch of salt to the batter to balance the sweetness. For an extra indulgent twist, you can fill the center of the dough with dulce de leche before frying—it’s just like a mini churro!
About Bolinho de Chuva:
Bolinho de chuva (literally “rain cakes”) is a traditional treat in both Brazil and Portugal. These deep-fried dough balls are typically made with flour, eggs, and milk, then dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They are a beloved comfort food, perfectly paired with a hot drink on a rainy afternoon.
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