Brazilian recipe
Classic Virado à Paulista: An Authentic Brazilian Comfort Dish
Learn how to make the authentic Virado à Paulista, a hearty Brazilian classic featuring succulent pork chops and a delicious, savoury bean mash.
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Ingredients
500g pork chops
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 teaspoon salt (5g)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
½ cup diced bacon (50g)
1 garlic clove, minced (5g)
½ medium onion, chopped (75g)
1 cup cassava flour (150g)
2 cups cooked carioca beans, drained (400g)
2 cups bean cooking liquid (400ml)
½ teaspoon salt (2.5g)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (5g)
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 teaspoon salt (5g)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
½ cup diced bacon (50g)
1 garlic clove, minced (5g)
½ medium onion, chopped (75g)
1 cup cassava flour (150g)
2 cups cooked carioca beans, drained (400g)
2 cups bean cooking liquid (400ml)
½ teaspoon salt (2.5g)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (5g)
Where to find ingredients
Pork chops and bacon can be found at any local butcher or supermarket meat counter. Carioca beans are typically found as 'brown beans' or 'pinto beans' in South African stores; if unavailable, any soft-textured brown bean works well. Cassava flour is the key to authentic farofa; check the 'international' or 'ethnic' aisles of large supermarkets, or visit specialty spice and health shops that stock Brazilian or African regional ingredients. Fresh produce like garlic, onions, lemons, and parsley are staples available in the fruit and vegetable section of any grocer.
Preparation method
- Season the pork chops with olive oil, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cover and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes
- In a medium-sized pot, fry the bacon over high heat for about 3 minutes until crisp and golden
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for another 2 minutes until softened
- Stir in the cassava flour and toast it slightly, making sure to stir continuously
- Fold in the cooked beans and the bean liquid. Season with salt and mix everything gently
- Remove from the heat and stir through the fresh chopped parsley
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat
- Fry the seasoned pork chops for 2 minutes on each side until perfectly browned
- Serve the chops hot alongside the bean mixture and finish with the remaining lemon zest
Observations
Virado à Paulista is one of the most iconic dishes in Brazilian cooking, with roots stretching back to the tropeiro (muleteer) travellers of São Paulo. It’s a proper, full meal—rich in flavour and texture, and ideal for a substantial, traditional lunch. The recipe brings together key components like pork chops, beans, cabbage, and farofa, creating a comforting dish that is steeped in history.
This simplified take focuses on the essential elements for a flavourful, home-style virado. Follow these steps to prepare each component with handy tips to ensure a delicious, no-fuss result in your own kitchen.
This simplified take focuses on the essential elements for a flavourful, home-style virado. Follow these steps to prepare each component with handy tips to ensure a delicious, no-fuss result in your own kitchen.
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