Brazilian recipe
Easy Traditional Arroz à Carreteiro with Salt-Cured Beef (Arroz à carreteiro e com charque e tempero verde)
A rustic and hearty one-pot meal, this classic Brazilian rice dish features savory salt-cured beef and a vibrant finish of fresh herbs.
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Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
5 cups boiling water
800g charque (salt-cured beef), cut into small cubes and desalinated
Fresh green herbs (parsley and green onions), chopped, to taste
2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
1 onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
5 cups boiling water
800g charque (salt-cured beef), cut into small cubes and desalinated
Fresh green herbs (parsley and green onions), chopped, to taste
2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
Where to find ingredients
You can find charque (often sold as 'dried salted beef' or 'beef jerky' in its uncooked state) at Latin American specialty grocers, or at local butcher shops. If unavailable, high-quality thick-cut smoked beef or salt-cured brisket can be used as a substitute. Other ingredients like onions, garlic, and fresh herbs are available in the produce section of any major supermarket.
Preparation method
- Soak the charque in water for several hours, changing the water multiple times to draw out the excess salt.
- Heat the lard or vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until translucent, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the desalinated charque to the pot and brown it well until it releases its rich aroma.
- Stir in the rice, tossing it with the meat for a few minutes to toast the grains slightly.
- Pour the boiling water over the rice and beef mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Finish by sprinkling the fresh chopped herbs over the top before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast.
Observations
Arroz à carreteiro is a classic Brazilian comfort dish deeply rooted in the history of the old drovers who hauled goods across the country. Simple, robust, and deeply satisfying, this meal highlights the intense flavor of sun-dried, salt-cured beef, known as charque, simmered with basic staples and finished with fresh green herbs. It is the perfect choice for a fuss-free, nourishing dinner that packs plenty of traditional flavor.
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