Here are easy, crowd-pleasing recipes inspired by Brazil and Morocco, perfect for watching a World Cup match between these two football nations. All are simple to make, require minimal special ingredients, and are great for sharing.
Brazil:Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread Balls)
Gluten-free, addictive, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 egg
– 1/3 cup oil (olive or vegetable)
– 2/3 cup milk
– 1 ½ cups tapioca flour (found in most supermarkets)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup grated Parmesan or mozzarella (or mix)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. (No blender? Whisk vigorously.)
3. Pour batter into greased mini muffin tins or shape small balls on a baking sheet.
4. Bake 15–20 min until puffed and golden.
5. Serve warm – they’re chewy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping.
Moroccan Harira (Tomato, Lentil & Chickpea Soup)
Harira, the rich, hearty soup of Moroccans is deeply flavorful, filling, and perfect for a game day meal.
This soup is all about layering warm spices (ginger, turmeric, cinnamon) with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and fresh herbs. The result is a thick, hearty soup that feels like a complete meal.
Ingredients
Olive oil | 4 tbsp
Onion, diced | 1 large
Celery stalks, diced | 3
Carrots, peeled & cut into rounds | 2 large
Spices** | Ground turmeric | 1 tsp
Ground cumin | 1 tsp
Ground ginger | ¼ tsp
Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp
Black pepper | ½ tsp
Salt | to taste
Harissa or red chili flakes | 1 tsp (optional)
Base** | Canned crushed tomatoes | 28 oz
Tomato paste | 1 tbsp
Meat or vegetable stock | 8 cups
Legumes & Grains** | Brown or green lentils | 1 cup
Canned chickpeas, drained | 15.5 oz
Vermicelli noodles (or broken spaghetti) | ½ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped | 1 cup (divided)
Fresh cilantro, chopped | 1 cup (divided)
Instructions
Step 1 – Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until the onion is translucent and starting to brown, about 5–10 minutes.
Step 2 – Bloom the spices**
Add turmeric, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and harissa (if using). Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
Step 3 – Build the soup**
Pour in crushed tomatoes, stock, and half of the chopped parsley and cilantro. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.
Step 4 – Add lentils & chickpeas
Stir in lentils and chickpeas. Continue simmering for about 15 minutes, until lentils are tender.
Step 5 – Add vermicelli
Stir in vermicelli noodles and cook for another 5–8 minutes until tender.
Step 6 – Finish & serve
Remove from heat. Stir in remaining fresh parsley and cilantro. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy the match with a bowl of this comforting soup!
