Brazilian recipe
Creamy Cassava and Shredded Beef Bake (Escondidinho de carne seca)
A classic Brazilian comfort food featuring a silky cassava mash layered over a savory, shredded sun-dried beef filling, baked to perfection.
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Ingredients
1 kg cassava (boiled)
1 liter full-fat milk
1/2 kg requeijão cremoso
2 kg carne seca (boiled and shredded)
200g onion, finely chopped
200g unsalted butter
Grated Parmesan cheese for gratinating
1 liter full-fat milk
1/2 kg requeijão cremoso
2 kg carne seca (boiled and shredded)
200g onion, finely chopped
200g unsalted butter
Grated Parmesan cheese for gratinating
Where to find ingredients
You can find these ingredients at your local vegetable market for fresh cassava (also known as yuca or tapioca root) and high-end supermarkets or specialized meat shops for Brazilian-style air-dried salted beef (carne seca). Requeijão cremoso is a distinct Brazilian cream cheese; if unavailable, a thick, full-fat cream cheese or labneh may be used as a substitute for texture, though it will alter the authentic flavor profile.
Preparation method
- Prepare the cassava mash: in a high-speed blender, combine the boiled cassava, milk, and requeijão cremoso, processing until you achieve a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
- Prepare the filling: in a large pan, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the pre-cooked and shredded carne seca to the pan with the onions and sauté for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld thoroughly.
- Begin the assembly: spread a layer of the cassava mash across the bottom of a heatproof baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the entire beef filling over the initial layer of mash.
- Cover the filling completely with the remaining cassava mash, spreading it to the edges for a clean seal.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mash layer to ensure a crisp, golden finish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a crust has formed.
- Serve the bake hot, garnished according to your preference.
Observations
Escondidinho de carne seca is a staple of Brazilian comfort food, cherished for its satisfying contrast of textures and robust flavors. It is an excellent choice for a family weekend lunch or a hearty dinner, pairing a velvety cassava mash with a rich, sautéed shredded beef base. The layered assembly and the golden-brown gratinée finish make this dish visually inviting and deeply satisfying.
The straightforward preparation, combined with a sophisticated result, makes this bake a favorite for anyone seeking a wholesome meal packed with authentic, rustic appeal.
The straightforward preparation, combined with a sophisticated result, makes this bake a favorite for anyone seeking a wholesome meal packed with authentic, rustic appeal.
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