Brazilian recipe
Traditional Savoury Charque and Herb Rice (Arroz à carreteiro)
A hearty, rustic dish featuring tender, seasoned dried beef tossed with fluffy rice and a fresh herb finish—perfect for a comforting meal.
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Ingredients
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, finely diced
2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil
5 cups boiling water
800 g charque, diced and desalted
Fresh herbs (parsley and spring onion), finely chopped, to taste
2 cups long-grain rice, washed and drained
1 onion, finely diced
2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil
5 cups boiling water
800 g charque, diced and desalted
Fresh herbs (parsley and spring onion), finely chopped, to taste
2 cups long-grain rice, washed and drained
Where to find ingredients
You can find dried, salted beef (charque) at specialist butchers or local markets; if unavailable, sun-dried beef (nyama ya ng'ombe kavu) may be used as a substitute. Fresh garlic, onions, and herbs are widely available at any greengrocer or supermarket produce section.
Preparation method
- Soak the charque in water for several hours, changing the water frequently to remove the excess salt.
- Heat the lard or vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until translucent and cook the garlic until lightly golden.
- Add the desalted charque and sauté until it is nicely browned and aromatic.
- Stir in the rice and cook for a few minutes, ensuring the grains are well-coated with the rendered fat and flavours.
- Pour the boiling water over the rice and meat mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle the freshly chopped herbs over the top before serving to add a bright finish to the dish.
Observations
Arroz à carreteiro is a classic dish from Brazil, with roots tracing back to the long expeditions of historic cattle herders. Its preparation is straightforward and centers on the intense, savoury depth of charque, balanced by simple pantry staples and a bright sprinkle of fresh herbs. It is the ultimate choice for those looking for a wholesome, comforting, and deeply flavourful meal that is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
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