BRAZILIAN & CARNIVAL FOOD INSPIRATION

Vegan Green Chilli Dip (via minimalistbaker.com)

Vegan Green Chilli Dip (via minimalistbaker.com)

A spicy vegan cheesy dip which perfect for dipping tortilla chips and vegetable sticks.

Cheese Bread Balls (via bbcgoodfood.com)

Cheese Bread Balls (via bbcgoodfood.com)

Classic Brazilian appetiser, which can be made with vegan cheese. Uses Tapioca flour, so is naturally gluten-free.

Kale & Mango Salad (via easybrazilianrecipes.com)

Kale & Mango Salad (via easybrazilianrecipes.com)

Mango and kale are both popular ingredients in Brazil. This salad has a sprinkling of pine nuts and is a light and refreshing lunch or side dish.

Feijoada - Black Bean Stew (via sprinkleofgreen.com)

Feijoada - Black Bean Stew (via sprinkleofgreen.com)

Extremely popular dish in Brazil, often made with Pork or Beef. This is a fantastic vegetarian and vegan version, which will easily satisfy.

Moqueca - Fish Stew (via womenshealthmag.co.uk)

Moqueca - Fish Stew (via womenshealthmag.co.uk)

Brazilian love their fish stew and this one has the traditional combination of heat from chillies alongside the soothing sweetness of coconut milk. Normally prepared in an oven-proof clay dish.

Brigadeiros (via myrealfoodlife.com)

Brigadeiros (via myrealfoodlife.com)

A dairy-free and cacao-free version of these Brazilian chocolate truffles, which uses carob powder.

Brazil Nut Cake (via ciauniao.com.br)

Brazil Nut Cake (via ciauniao.com.br)

A simple sponge cake made with Brazil nuts. Swap the cane sugar here for coconut sugar and coconut nectar syrup; and swap the butter for a vegetarian spread.

Quindim (via worldrecipes.expo2015.org)

Quindim (via worldrecipes.expo2015.org)

A traditional Brazilian baked dessert with coconut. To make this dairy-free, swap in almond milk, coconut milk or other dairy-free milk-style drink.

Pineapple Caipirinhas (via bbcgoodfood.com)

Pineapple Caipirinhas (via bbcgoodfood.com)

The Caipirinhas cocktail is probably the most famous Brazilian drink, usually made with limes and cachaça (a fermented sugar-cane liqueur). This version uses pineapple and light rum.

Watermelon Caipirinhas (via makemeacocktail.com)

Watermelon Caipirinhas (via makemeacocktail.com)

This Caipirinhas cocktail uses fresh watermelon, but you could easily use the pure watermelon water in a carton from “What a Melon”: Watermelon Water.