Brazilian recipe
Classic Brazilian Beef and Rice Skillet (Arroz à carreteiro)
A hearty, rustic one-pot meal that’s perfect for a fuss-free dinner. This traditional Brazilian recipe pairs savoury cured beef with fluffy rice and fresh herbs for a real comfort food hit.
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Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
5 cups boiling water
800g dried salt-cured beef (charque), cut into small cubes and soaked to remove excess salt
Fresh herbs to taste, such as chopped flat-leaf parsley and spring onions
2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
1 onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
5 cups boiling water
800g dried salt-cured beef (charque), cut into small cubes and soaked to remove excess salt
Fresh herbs to taste, such as chopped flat-leaf parsley and spring onions
2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
Where to find ingredients
To find salt-cured beef (charque), head to a local butcher shop or a specialist Latin American grocer. If it's unavailable, you can sometimes find similar salted, air-dried beef in the deli section of large supermarkets, or ask your butcher for a high-quality alternative that mimics traditional dried salted beef. Standard pantry items like garlic, onions, rice, oil, parsley, and spring onions are readily available at any major Australian supermarket, greengrocer, or local market.
Preparation method
- Soak the cured beef in a bowl of water for several hours, refreshing the water a few times to draw out the excess salt
- Heat the lard or oil in a heavy-based pot or large deep frying pan over medium heat
- Sauté the onion until translucent, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant and golden
- Toss in the prepared beef and fry until it’s beautifully browned and the aroma fills the kitchen
- Stir in the rice, ensuring every grain is coated and lightly toasted with the meat for a few minutes
- Pour the boiling water carefully over the rice and beef mixture
- Turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on, and let it simmer until the rice is tender and the water has been fully absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes
- Just before serving, scatter the fresh herbs over the top to add a punch of vibrant colour and freshness
Observations
Arroz à carreteiro is a true staple of Brazilian home cooking, with roots reaching back to the old drover expeditions. It’s a classic, no-nonsense dish that highlights the deep, salt-cured flavour of dried beef, perfectly balanced by simple pantry staples and a generous scatter of fresh herbs. If you're after a proper, filling meal that’s easy to pull together on a weeknight, this is the one.
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