Brazilian recipe
Creamy Cassava and Shredded Beef Casserole (Escondidinho de carne seca)
A quintessential Brazilian comfort dish featuring smooth, velvety cassava mash layered over a hearty, seasoned filling of savory shredded carne seca.
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Ingredients
1 kg cassava (boiled)
1 litre full-cream milk
500g requeijão cremoso
2 kg carne seca (cooked and shredded)
200g onion, finely chopped
200g butter
Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
1 litre full-cream milk
500g requeijão cremoso
2 kg carne seca (cooked and shredded)
200g onion, finely chopped
200g butter
Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Where to find ingredients
Cassava (also known as yuca or manioc) and carne seca are specialty items best found at local wet markets or specialized butcher shops. Requeijão cremoso is a unique Brazilian cream cheese; you can substitute it with a high-quality, spreadable soft cheese if necessary. Fresh produce like onions and dairy staples can be sourced from any reliable local grocery store or supermarket produce section.
Preparation method
- To prepare the cassava mash, blend the boiled cassava with the full-cream milk and the requeijão cremoso in a food processor until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- For the filling, melt the butter in a large pan and sauté the chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant.
- Add the cooked and shredded carne seca to the pan with the onions and sauté for several minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- To assemble, spread an initial layer of the cassava mash across the bottom of a heatproof baking dish.
- Cover the mash layer with all of the prepared carne seca filling, spreading it out to the edges to ensure an even distribution.
- Complete the layering by spreading a generous final layer of the remaining cassava mash over the top of the beef.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface to create the topping.
- Place the dish in an oven preheated to 180°C for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and formed a delicious golden crust.
- Serve the casserole warm and garnish as you prefer.
Observations
The carne seca escondidinho is a true staple of Brazilian home cooking, cherished for its masterful contrast of textures and robust flavors. This dish is an ideal centrepiece for family gatherings or special dinners, bringing together a soft, buttery cassava mash and a punchy, sautéed carne seca base. Its layered structure and golden, oven-baked finish make it as visually inviting as it is deeply satisfying to eat.
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple it is to prepare, despite the sophisticated result. It remains a firm favourite for anyone looking to serve a filling, hearty meal that captures the essence of authentic, soulful cooking.
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple it is to prepare, despite the sophisticated result. It remains a firm favourite for anyone looking to serve a filling, hearty meal that captures the essence of authentic, soulful cooking.
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