Brazilian recipe
Homemade Shepherd's Pie (Escondidinho de Carne)
A Brazilian classic, this shepherd's pie combines a creamy cassava puree with a juicy ground meat filling, topped with melted cheese.
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Ingredients
1 kg cassava
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups fresh heavy cream
300 ml coconut milk
4 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Ground white pepper to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
1 kg beef (such as bottom round), hand-chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 chopped onion
2 teaspoons annatto powder (colorau)
2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1 beef bouillon cube
Chopped bird's eye chili to taste
Water as needed
200 g sliced mozzarella cheese
100 g coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
150 g cream cheese spread
Coarsely grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for sprinkling
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups fresh heavy cream
300 ml coconut milk
4 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Ground white pepper to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
1 kg beef (such as bottom round), hand-chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 chopped onion
2 teaspoons annatto powder (colorau)
2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1 beef bouillon cube
Chopped bird's eye chili to taste
Water as needed
200 g sliced mozzarella cheese
100 g coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
150 g cream cheese spread
Coarsely grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for sprinkling
Where to find ingredients
Cassava (mandioca/yuca) can be found in the frozen section of most supermarkets, often labeled as yuca. Latin or international food markets are also a good source.
Fresh heavy cream, butter, olive oil, garlic, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese are standard items available in the dairy and produce sections of any supermarket.
Coconut milk is usually found in the international aisle or the baking section of large supermarkets.
Annatto powder (colorau) might be available in the spice aisle of larger supermarkets or in Latin/Brazilian specialty stores.
Cream cheese spread is widely available in the dairy section of supermarkets.
Beef for chopping can be purchased from a butcher or the meat counter at a supermarket. Ask them to grind or chop it for you if preferred.
Fresh cilantro or parsley are common herbs found in the produce section.
Bird's eye chili can be found in the produce section of larger supermarkets or in Asian/international markets. Jalapeños can be used as a substitute if unavailable or too spicy.
Fresh heavy cream, butter, olive oil, garlic, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese are standard items available in the dairy and produce sections of any supermarket.
Coconut milk is usually found in the international aisle or the baking section of large supermarkets.
Annatto powder (colorau) might be available in the spice aisle of larger supermarkets or in Latin/Brazilian specialty stores.
Cream cheese spread is widely available in the dairy section of supermarkets.
Beef for chopping can be purchased from a butcher or the meat counter at a supermarket. Ask them to grind or chop it for you if preferred.
Fresh cilantro or parsley are common herbs found in the produce section.
Bird's eye chili can be found in the produce section of larger supermarkets or in Asian/international markets. Jalapeños can be used as a substitute if unavailable or too spicy.
Preparation method
- Cook the cassava until very tender
- Drain the cassava and pass it through a ricer or masher while still hot
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the mashed cassava, sautéing lightly
- Transfer the sautéed cassava to a blender
- Add the fresh heavy cream and coconut milk to the blender
- Blend until a smooth cream is obtained
- Stir the finely grated Parmesan cheese into the cream
- Season with salt and ground white pepper to taste
- Set aside the cassava cream
- In another pan, heat the olive oil
- Add the chopped beef and sauté until browned
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté for a few more minutes
- Add the annatto powder, chopped green bell pepper, chopped tomatoes, chopped olives, chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, beef bouillon cube, and chopped bird's eye chili
- Sauté all the filling ingredients
- Adjust salt to taste
- Add a little water, gradually, as needed to keep the mixture moist and cook the meat
- In a baking dish, spread half of the cassava cream on the bottom
- Cover with the meat filling
- Arrange the mozzarella slices over the meat
- Spread the cream cheese evenly
- Cover with the remaining cassava cream
- Sprinkle with coarsely grated Parmesan cheese on top
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly
Observations
Shepherd's pie is a comforting and very popular dish in Brazilian cuisine, ideal for family meals or for impressing guests. Its base of soft cassava puree contrasts perfectly with the flavorful meat filling, creating an irresistible combination. The gratinated cheese topping finishes the dish with a special touch.
This recipe is a traditional version that enhances homemade flavor, with clear steps to ensure success even for beginner cooks. The puree is made with cooked cassava blended with heavy cream and coconut milk, ensuring a velvety texture. The meat filling is well-seasoned, with an optional spicy touch, and the final assembly in a baking dish with different types of cheese ensures a golden and bubbly crust.
This recipe is a traditional version that enhances homemade flavor, with clear steps to ensure success even for beginner cooks. The puree is made with cooked cassava blended with heavy cream and coconut milk, ensuring a velvety texture. The meat filling is well-seasoned, with an optional spicy touch, and the final assembly in a baking dish with different types of cheese ensures a golden and bubbly crust.
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