Brazilian recipe
Traditional Carne Seca Escondidinho (Escondidinho de carne seca)
A classic comfort dish featuring a velvety cassava mash layered with savoury shredded cured beef. A heartwarming, flavourful Brazilian favourite.
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Ingredients
1 kg cassava, boiled
1 litre whole milk
500g creamy requeijão
2 kg carne seca, boiled and shredded
200g onion, finely chopped
200g butter
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
1 litre whole milk
500g creamy requeijão
2 kg carne seca, boiled and shredded
200g onion, finely chopped
200g butter
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Where to find ingredients
Cassava (often labelled as 'yuca' or 'manioc') and carne seca can be sourced from specialist Latin American grocers or larger ethnic supermarkets. Requeijão is a specific Brazilian soft cheese; if unavailable, a mild, high-fat cream cheese or a mix of mascarpone and ricotta can serve as a substitute. Look for butter and onions in the chilled and produce aisles of any high-street supermarket.
Preparation method
- Prepare the cassava mash by blitzing the boiled cassava, whole milk and creamy requeijão in a blender until the mixture is completely smooth and velvety.
- For the filling, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent and soft.
- Add the boiled and shredded carne seca to the pan with the onions and sauté for a few minutes to allow the flavours to marry.
- To assemble, spread a layer of the prepared cassava mash across the bottom of a large ovenproof baking dish.
- Cover the mash layer evenly with the entire portion of the carne seca filling.
- Spread the remaining cassava mash over the meat, creating a final smooth layer on top.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan generously over the top of the mash to ensure a perfect crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned a lovely golden brown.
- Serve your escondidinho hot, garnished to your own preference.
Observations
The carne seca escondidinho is a true pillar of Brazilian home cooking, cherished for its delightful contrast in textures and robust flavours. It is the perfect centerpiece for a relaxed family lunch or a hearty supper, pairing a silky, smooth cassava purée with a rich, sautéed shredded beef filling. Layered together and baked until golden, it is as visually appealing as it is satisfying.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance between simple preparation and a sophisticated final result, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a generous, home-cooked meal with authentic depth.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance between simple preparation and a sophisticated final result, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a generous, home-cooked meal with authentic depth.
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