Bala Baiana Recipe

Indulge in the exotic flavors of Bala Baiana with our authentic recipe. Uncover the essence of Bahian cuisine. Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Bala Baiana

• Publisher: Crisprecipe
• Cuisine: Brazilian
• Category: Main Dish
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 20 to 25 small Bala Baiana pieces
• Calories: 90 calories

Bala Baiana is a beloved Brazilian sweet that feels like a little piece of Bahia’s soul wrapped up in sugar. Originating from the northeastern state of Bahia, this treat carries the warmth and rich cultural heritage of Afro-Brazilian cuisine. It’s more than just candy—it’s a celebration of the region’s history, flavors, and community, often enjoyed at festivals, markets, and family gatherings.

The magic of Bala Baiana lies in its simple but powerful ingredients: shredded coconut, condensed milk, and brown sugar, sometimes with a hint of cinnamon or cloves to deepen its flavor. The coconut gives it that unmistakable tropical chew, while the condensed milk adds creamy sweetness that melts just right on your tongue. The brown sugar rounds it out with a caramel-like richness that’s cozy and nostalgic.

When you bite into Bala Baiana, you get this satisfying mix of soft chewiness and a gentle graininess from the coconut, all wrapped in a sweet, slightly sticky exterior. It’s like a warm hug from Bahia itself—comforting, indulgent, and deeply satisfying without being overpowering. You can enjoy it as a small treat alongside coffee or share it with friends at casual get-togethers.

Typically, Bala Baiana is shaped into little balls or small squares, perfect for popping into your mouth without fuss. If you happen to have leftovers, no worries—just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if it’s warm. They hold up well for a few days, and if you want to freshen them up, a quick zap in the microwave for a few seconds softens them perfectly.

Besides being a delicious snack, Bala Baiana brings some natural nutritional perks thanks to the coconut, which offers healthy fats and fiber. It’s not just empty sweetness; it’s got some grounding elements that make it feel a little more wholesome than your average candy. You might find versions with nuts or spices added, giving each batch a unique twist depending on who’s making it.

If you’re craving a taste of Bahia’s sunny spirit, give the recipe below a try. It’s straightforward, rewarding, and a little adventure for your taste buds that’s totally worth making at home.

Recipe

Dive into the delectable world of Bala Baiana! Discover the secrets of crafting this Bahian delight with our tantalizing recipe guide. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated fresh coconut (or unsweetened shredded coconut)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves or nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (for greasing)

Method Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the grated coconut, condensed milk, and brown sugar over medium heat.
2. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 15-20 minutes.
3. If using, stir in the cinnamon and cloves or nutmeg for added depth of flavor.
4. Grease a flat dish or tray with butter or coconut oil and pour the mixture in, spreading it evenly.
5. Allow it to cool and set for about an hour until firm enough to handle.
6. Once cooled, cut into small squares or shape into bite-sized balls.
7. Store Bala Baiana in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.
8. To freshen up, let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly for a softer texture.

Recipe Video

Bala Baiana

This is a video about Bala Baiana.

Video Author: Cooking Samba

Rated: 5.0 of 5.0 from 928 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Bala Baiana, Bala Baiana Recipe, Recipe

Servings

"Bala Baiana" is typically enjoyed as a delightful sweet treat on its own, but you can also get creative with how you serve and enjoy it. Here are a few ways you can serve Bala Baiana:

1. Plain: The simplest way to enjoy Bala Baiana is to eat it as is, allowing its natural sweetness and chewy texture to shine.
2. Snack: Serve Bala Baiana as a convenient and tasty snack, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth between meals.
3. Dessert Plate: Arrange Bala Baiana on a dessert plate along with other sweets, fruits, or nuts for a visually appealing and diverse dessert spread.
4. Toppings: Crumble Bala Baiana over ice cream, yogurt, or puddings as a crunchy and flavorful topping.
5. Garnish: Use small pieces of Bala Baiana as a decorative garnish on cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts.
6. Gifts: Package Bala Baiana in decorative bags or boxes and give them as thoughtful edible gifts to friends and family.
7. Pairing: Enjoy Bala Baiana with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk for a delightful pairing.

Tips

1. Use Fresh Seafood: Whenever possible, opt for fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture in your Moqueca Baiana. Fresh fish and shrimp will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
2. Balancing Spices: The combination of spices in this recipe contributes to the unique flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your taste, but be careful not to overpower the dish with any single spice.
3. Dendê Oil: Dendê oil, also known as red palm oil, is a distinctive ingredient in Bahian cuisine. It imparts a rich, earthy flavor and vibrant color. However, it can be quite strong, so use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the dish.
4. Coconut Milk: Choose good-quality coconut milk to achieve a rich and creamy base for the stew. If using canned coconut milk, shake the can well before opening to ensure even consistency.
5. Doneness of Seafood: Be mindful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery. Fish and shrimp cook relatively quickly, so keep an eye on them while simmering.
6. Serve with Sides: Moqueca Baiana is often served with rice, but you can also enjoy it with traditional accompaniments like farofa (toasted cassava flour) or a side salad for added texture and variety.
7. Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh chopped cilantro just before serving adds a burst of freshness and color. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can opt for parsley instead.
8. Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a chopped chili pepper or some hot sauce to the recipe. Bahian cuisine often includes a touch of heat.
9. Cultural Experience: Embrace the cultural experience by trying out traditional recipes like Moqueca Baiana. It's a great way to learn about different cuisines and enjoy authentic flavors.
10. Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences. You can use different types of fish, adjust the spice levels, or add extra vegetables for added nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutes

• Fish and Shrimp: If you can't find the recommended types of fish or shrimp, you can use other firm white fish such as grouper, tilapia, or haddock. Similarly, you can replace shrimp with other seafood like scallops or squid.
• Dendê Oil: Dendê oil is a unique ingredient with a distinctive flavor, but if you can't find it, you can substitute it with a combination of equal parts vegetable oil and paprika for color and a hint of flavor.
• Coconut Milk: If coconut milk is not available, you can use heavy cream mixed with a bit of water to achieve a creamy texture. Alternatively, almond milk or cashew milk can be used, but they might alter the flavor slightly.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences. If you don't have some of the recommended spices, you can use a Cajun spice blend or a mix of cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch of ground ginger.
• Bell Pepper: If you don't have bell pepper, you can use other sweet peppers like Cubanelle peppers or even omit them if necessary.
• Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice if needed.
• Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used if fresh tomatoes are not available. You can also use tomato sauce in a pinch, but adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Herbs: If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can use parsley or chives for a milder herb flavor.
• Rice: While rice is a common accompaniment, you can serve Moqueca Baiana with other grains like quinoa or couscous if you prefer.

Remarks

Embrace the Bahian spirit with every bite of Bala Baiana. Share this authentic recipe and savor the tropical blend of flavors. Obrigado for joining us on this culinary journey!