Brazilian recipe
Creamy Cassava and Shredded Beef Casserole (Escondidinho de carne seca)
A quintessential Brazilian comfort dish featuring a silky smooth cassava purée paired with a savory, shredded carne seca filling, perfectly gratinated.
0.0 / 5 by 0 Reviews
Ingredients
1 kg cassava (boiled)
1 litre full-cream milk
500g requeijão cremoso
2 kg carne seca (boiled and shredded)
200g onion, finely chopped
200g butter
Grated Parmesan cheese for gratin
1 litre full-cream milk
500g requeijão cremoso
2 kg carne seca (boiled and shredded)
200g onion, finely chopped
200g butter
Grated Parmesan cheese for gratin
Where to find ingredients
You can source fresh cassava (also known as yuca or manioc) and quality carne seca (salt-cured beef) at local markets or specialized butcher shops. If carne seca is unavailable, salt-cured corned beef is a common local substitute, though it will alter the original flavor profile. Requeijão cremoso is a distinct Brazilian creamy cheese spread; if unable to find it, a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream can be used as a substitute.
Preparation method
- Prepare the cassava purée by blending the boiled cassava with the full-cream milk and requeijão cremoso until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a large pan, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
- Add the boiled and shredded carne seca to the pan with the onions and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the casserole by spreading an even layer of the cassava purée at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Cover the purée layer with the entire carne seca filling, ensuring an even spread.
- Spread another generous layer of the remaining cassava purée over the top of the beef filling.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of purée.
- Place the dish in an oven preheated to 180°C and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve the casserole warm and garnish to your preference.
Observations
The Escondidinho de carne seca is a cornerstone of Brazilian home cooking, cherished for its harmonious blend of textures and deeply satisfying flavors. This dish is an ideal centerpiece for family lunches or special dinners, marrying the velvety richness of a cassava purée with the intense, salty profile of sautéed carne seca. Its layered assembly and golden, cheesy crust make it as visually impressive as it is heartwarming.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward preparation, which yields a sophisticated and hearty meal. It is a preferred choice for those seeking a robust, authentic dish that brings the comfort of traditional kitchens to the table.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward preparation, which yields a sophisticated and hearty meal. It is a preferred choice for those seeking a robust, authentic dish that brings the comfort of traditional kitchens to the table.
Ratings and comments