Maniçoba (Ensopado de Folha de Mandioca com Carnes, sem Acompanhamentos de Carboidratos)
Maniçoba (Cassava Leaf Stew with Meats, without Carb Sides)
Yes, with a tweak: request no rice, no farofa, and no side dishes containing starchy vegetables such as potatoes or yuca. About 10g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Brazilian food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A rich, slow-cooked stew originating from the Amazon region, particularly Pará, made from the ground and extensively cooked leaves of the manioc plant (Maniçoba), combined with various cuts of pork (ribs, trotters, ear, bacon), dried beef, and sausages. It is known for its intense flavor and the very long cooking time required to render the raw leaves safe for consumption. This keto version is served without traditional high-carb accompaniments like rice or farofa.
Key ingredients
Extensively cooked ground maniçoba leaves, assorted pork cuts (ribs, trotters, bacon), cured beef (carne seca), pork sausages, garlic, onion, bay leaf, dendê oil (palm oil) or other cooking fat, salt, pepper.
How to make it keto
Request no rice, no farofa, and no side dishes containing starchy vegetables such as potatoes or yuca. Confirm with the kitchen that no flour or other high-carb thickeners are used in the stew preparation. Inquire about any potential hidden sugars in seasoning blends.
Say this to the waiter (Portuguese)
Maniçoba, por favor, sem arroz, farofa ou legumes ricos em amido. Confirme que o ensopado não leva farinha nem espessantes, e sem açúcares escondidos.
Maniçoba without rice, farofa, or starchy vegetables. Please confirm no flour or high-carb thickeners in the stew, and no hidden sugars.
Watch out for
The maniçoba leaves themselves contribute a moderate amount of fiber and some digestible carbohydrates. Restaurants may use flour as a thickener, and traditional servings always include high-carb sides that must be explicitly refused. Potential for hidden sugars in tomato products or seasoning blends used.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
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