Brazilian recipe
Easy Traditional Arroz de Carreteiro with Salt-Cured Beef
A no-fuss, hearty Arroz de Carreteiro recipe featuring savory salt-cured beef and a fresh herb finish—perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
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Ingredients
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
5 cups boiling water
800g salt-cured beef (charque), cut into small cubes and desalted
Fresh green herbs (parsley and spring onions), chopped to taste
2 cups white rice, rinsed and drained
1 onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
5 cups boiling water
800g salt-cured beef (charque), cut into small cubes and desalted
Fresh green herbs (parsley and spring onions), chopped to taste
2 cups white rice, rinsed and drained
Where to find ingredients
Charque is a specific type of sun-dried and salt-cured beef. In the Micronesia region, it is best to look for it in specialized international markets, Latin American grocery stores, or under the 'jerked beef' or 'dried salt beef' labels in well-stocked butcher shops. If unavailable, high-quality beef jerky without heavy smoking or seasoning can be used as a substitute, provided you soak it thoroughly to reduce saltiness. Fresh parsley and spring onions are readily available in the produce section of any local supermarket or neighborhood produce stand.
Preparation method
- Soak the salt-cured beef in water for several hours, refreshing the water multiple times to draw out the excess salt
- Heat the lard or vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat
- Sauté the onion until translucent, then add the garlic and cook until golden
- Add the desalted beef cubes to the pot and sear until well-browned and fragrant
- Stir in the rice, coating the grains in the fat and browning them slightly with the meat for a few minutes
- Pour the boiling water over the rice and beef mixture
- Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot tightly, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed
- Right before serving, generously sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs to brighten the dish
Observations
Arroz de Carreteiro is a quintessential Brazilian comfort food with roots in the historical cattle-driving expeditions. This one-pot dish relies on the bold, savory character of salt-cured beef, elevated by simple aromatics and a vibrant splash of fresh herbs. It is the ultimate go-to for anyone craving a rustic, soul-warming meal that is both straightforward to assemble and incredibly flavorful.
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