Brazilian recipe
Traditional Charque Rice (Arroz à carreteiro)
A hearty, one-pot dish featuring salt-cured beef and aromatic herbs, perfect for a wholesome and flavorful meal.
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Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
5 cups boiling water
800 g charque, diced and desalinated
Fresh coriander and spring onions (tempero verde), to taste
2 cups white rice, washed and drained
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
5 cups boiling water
800 g charque, diced and desalinated
Fresh coriander and spring onions (tempero verde), to taste
2 cups white rice, washed and drained
Where to find ingredients
You can find rice and aromatics in any local grocery shop. For charque, look for high-quality sun-dried or salt-cured beef in specialty butcher shops or the meat aisle of large supermarkets. If you cannot find charque, high-quality beef jerky or corned beef are suitable substitutes, though the final flavor profile will differ.
Preparation method
- Soak the charque in water for several hours, changing the water multiple times to remove excess salt.
- Heat the lard or vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium flame.
- Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add the garlic and cook until lightly golden.
- Add the prepared charque and fry until well-browned and fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, coating each grain in the rendered fat and aromatics for a few minutes.
- Pour the boiling water over the rice and beef mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
- Finish by sprinkling with freshly chopped tempero verde for a bright, herbaceous lift before serving.
Observations
Arroz à carreteiro is a classic dish from the southern regions of Brazil, originally prepared by travelers on long expeditions. It relies on the robust, salty depth of charque, balanced by simple aromatics and a generous finish of fresh herbs. It is the ultimate comfort food—straightforward to prepare, deeply satisfying, and rich in culinary history.
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