Corn Dishes & Snacks

These delicious corn recipes are a variation of savory homemade corn dishes typically served at the São João festival. Many different types of tasty snacks are also part of the festival. 

Festa de São João (St. John the Baptist Festival)

São João, also known as Festa Junina, is an annual June festival in Brazil. One of the largest events in the country and particularly popular in urban areas. It is a folkloric celebration that takes place during the winter season. The event is celebrated for the corn harvest and rain. It is also to honor Saint John the Baptist. 

Much of the festival involves country-style, folklore-style clothes and costumes, folk dancing, forro music (Brazilian folk music), bonfires, fireworks, and, of course, delicious food.

São João corn dishes at the festival

Corn dishes are a key part of the dishes served at São João. There are various corn dishes made for the event. 

• Bolo de fubá (cornmeal cake)

• Boiled and roasted corn

• Canjica de milho (corn pudding)

• Pamonha (sweet corn tamale)

Other food items include:

• Cassava cake

• Candy apples

• Coconut candy

• Peanuts

• Peanut cake

• Popcorn

Corn Drinks and Dishes

Fresh Corn

The month of June in Brazil is the season for traditional corn-based dishes. This is the month of corn harvest, and delicious dishes are served during the festival. Boiled and roasted corn are popular cooking choices for this event. 

Milho Ralado Cozido (Cooked Grated Corn) and Green Apples

Milho ralado cozido is lightly grated corn that has been cooked. This is a bit of a twist on the traditional cooking method for corn. Also, candy and caramel apples are popular sweet treats at the festival, similar to fair foods. 

Corn Juice

Brazilian cocktails and liquor are typically served, such as caipirinha, batida, and quentão. Corn juice is another non-alcoholic refreshment that is tasty and light, made with fresh corn.

Check out the recipe for corn juice.
Corn Juice

Corn Soup

This soup is a simple, yet lightly sweet corn soup made with fresh corn and a few ingredients. It is not a popular food option for the festival, but it is a dish worth making. 

Small Corn Cakes

Cornmeal cake is a popular corn dish at the São João festival. It is a delicious corn cake made for the event. These are cupcake-size corn cakes that are appetizing and savory.

Canjica de Milho (Corn Pudding)

Corn pudding is another popular dessert dish for the São João festival. It is generally topped with ground cinnamon or left plain.

Check out the recipe for Canjica de Milho.
Canjica de Milho {Corn Pudding}

Other Desserts and Snacks

Leite Condensado Brigadeiros (Condensed Milk Sticky Ball Desserts)

The traditional Brazilian brigadeiros are small, sticky balls of dark chocolate coated with chocolate sprinkles. These brigadeiros were made with condensed milk and coated with shredded coconut. This is another type of dessert made for São João, a delicious bite-size dessert. 

Peanuts and Popcorn

Peanuts and popcorn are typical snacks served at the event. Peanuts can be served raw or cooked. Roasted and salty peanuts are cooked, and traditional popcorn is seasoned with salt for the festival.

A traditional table of corn dishes and snacks for São João