Brazilian recipe
Hearty Chicken Escondidinho (Escondidinho de frango)
Discover how to make this comforting Brazilian classic, featuring a flavorful shredded chicken base topped with a smooth potato purée and melted cheese.
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Ingredients
500g chicken breast, cubed
1kg potatoes
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
6 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, diced
3/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 package onion soup mix
800ml milk
3 cups cooked rice
Grated mozzarella cheese, to taste
1kg potatoes
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
6 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, diced
3/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 package onion soup mix
800ml milk
3 cups cooked rice
Grated mozzarella cheese, to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find all fresh produce, chicken, and dairy in the produce and meat aisles of your local Canadian grocery store (such as Loblaws, Sobeys, or Metro). The 'creme de cebola' (onion soup mix) is found in the dry soup or spice aisle. As a substitute for mozzarella, you can use a mix of shredded Monterey Jack or provolone if you prefer a different melt profile, though low-moisture mozzarella remains the traditional choice.
Preparation method
- Prepare the potato purée by boiling the potatoes until tender, then mashing them with the butter; set aside.
- In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the chicken cubes to the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, green olives, and fresh cilantro, cooking for a few minutes to develop the flavors.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the onion soup mix and the milk.
- Pour the milk and onion soup mixture over the sautéed chicken.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Grease a baking dish with a little butter to prepare for layering.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly at the bottom of the dish.
- Distribute the cooked rice in an even layer over the chicken.
- Top with the prepared potato purée, spreading it out to cover the surface.
- Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
Observations
The Escondidinho de frango is a staple of Brazilian comfort food, celebrated for its layered flavors and satisfying textures. This recipe is an excellent choice for a practical, nourishing meal that appeals to the whole family. It consists of a succulent shredded chicken filling, a layer of fluffy rice, and a silky potato mash, all finished with a bubbly, melted cheese topping. It is a versatile dish that works perfectly for a cozy weeknight dinner or special family gatherings.
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