Brazilian recipe
Escondidinho (Escondidinho)
This classic Brazilian comfort food pairs a velvety cassava and potato mash with a richly seasoned shredded jerked beef filling, finished with a golden, cheesy crust.
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Ingredients
700g cassava (muhogo), boiled in salted water
300g potatoes, boiled in salted water
1 tbsp butter
1 packet (200ml) table cream (heavy cream)
1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
1 cube meat or chicken bouillon
Milk, to taste
Salt, to taste
500g jerked beef (nyama kavu), boiled and shredded
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 medium onion, sliced into rounds
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Crushed chili flakes or black pepper, to taste
Bacon, to taste
Cream cheese, in piping bag or tub, to taste
Mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced, to taste
300g potatoes, boiled in salted water
1 tbsp butter
1 packet (200ml) table cream (heavy cream)
1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
1 cube meat or chicken bouillon
Milk, to taste
Salt, to taste
500g jerked beef (nyama kavu), boiled and shredded
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 medium onion, sliced into rounds
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Crushed chili flakes or black pepper, to taste
Bacon, to taste
Cream cheese, in piping bag or tub, to taste
Mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced, to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find fresh cassava (muhogo) and local produce at neighborhood markets or grocery store vegetable sections. Jerked beef (nyama kavu) and dairy products are available at major supermarkets, with substitutes like finely shredded beef brisket available at local butcheries if jerked beef is unavailable.
Preparation method
- Press the cooked cassava and potatoes through a potato ricer along with the butter until you achieve a very smooth mash.
- Stir in the onion, bouillon cube, and table cream, adding milk gradually until the mixture reaches a creamy, thick consistency.
- Taste the mash and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
- In a pan, fry the bacon, garlic, and sliced onion until aromatic and crisp.
- Add the shredded jerked beef to the pan and sauté briefly to combine the flavors.
- Finish the filling by folding in the fresh parsley, chives, and your choice of chili or black pepper.
- Check the seasoning of the filling to ensure it is balanced.
- Grease a baking dish generously with butter on the bottom and sides.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the dish and cover it with the mozzarella slices.
- Layer the prepared mash over the cheese, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Distribute small dollops of cream cheese over the top of the mash or swirl it into the surface.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
- Bake in a preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly.
- Keep an eye on the dish while baking to ensure the base does not brown too quickly or burn.
Observations
Escondidinho is the ultimate definition of comfort food. By layering a smooth, creamy mash over a robust and savory meat base, you create a dish that is as satisfying as it is flavorful. The addition of cheese provides that irresistible, bubbling golden top that makes this dish a staple for hearty family meals.
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