Brazilian Corn Cuscuz with Citrusy Pork, Roasted Squash and Herb Vinaigrette
Brazilian Food
Intermediate

Brazilian Corn Cuscuz with Citrusy Pork, Roasted Squash and Herb Vinaigrette

An original Brazilian main dish featuring steamed corn cuscuz layered with garlicky lime pork, roasted squash, and a fresh tomato, onion, and herb vinaigrette. It delivers bright flavors, soft texture, and a comforting homemade finish.

25 minPrep
40 minCook
65 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 500 g pork loin, cut into small cubes (without exceso of grasa)
  • 400 g squash, diced (cabotiá or butternut)
  • 240 g Brazilian corn flakes for cuscuz (tipo flocão)
  • 360 ml water (for hidratar the cuscuz)
  • 180 g ripe tomato, small diced (for the vinagreta)
  • 120 g white onion, finely chopped (divided)
  • 12 g garlic, minced (divided)
  • 100 g red bell pepper, small diced (for the vinagreta)
  • 15 g fresh cilantro, chopped (divided)
  • 10 g fresh parsley, chopped (for the vinagreta)
  • 2 units lime, juice and zest (divided)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 15 g butter (for terminar the cuscuz)
  • 40 g green olives, chopped (escurridas)
  • 4 g sweet paprika (for the cerdo)
  • 2 g ground cumin (for the cerdo)
  • 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (or to taste, divided)

Nutrition facts

per serving

476 kcal
Calories
30 g
Protein
35 g
Carbs
23 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
31 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

DairySulfites

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Toss the squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Spread on a tray and roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.

  2. 2

    2. In a bowl, hydrate the corn flakes for cuscuz with the water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix with your hands to distribute the moisture evenly and let rest for 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    3. While the cuscuz rests, season the pork with the sweet paprika, cumin, zest of 1 lime, half of the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

  4. 4

    4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and brown for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and caramelized on the edges. Add 1 tablespoon lime juice in the last minute and remove from the heat.

  5. 5

    5. In another bowl, make the vinaigrette by combining the tomato, red bell pepper, half of the onion, green olives, cilantro, parsley, 1 tablespoon lime juice, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside.

  6. 6

    6. Place the hydrated cuscuz in a steamer or cuscuz pot without packing it too tightly. Steam for 12 to 15 minutes until tender and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the butter and the remaining onion to loosen it slightly.

  7. 7

    7. To assemble, place a layer of cuscuz on a platter or individual plates. Arrange the browned pork and roasted squash over the top. Finish with the herb vinaigrette spooned over everything.

  8. 8

    8. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining cilantro and a few extra drops of lime juice if desired.

Chef tips

For a more traditional texture, moisten the corn flakes gradually and avoid pressing them into the steamer. The pork browns best if you pat it dry before seasoning.

Substitutions

You can substitute the pork loin with boneless chicken. Kabocha squash can be replaced with butternut squash. If you do not have cilantro, use extra parsley for a milder vinaigrette.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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