Escondidinho de Carne-Seca (Brazilian Dried Beef Casserole)
A beloved Brazilian classic, 'Escondidinho' literally means 'little hidden one.' This comforting dish features savory, shredded sun-dried beef 'hidden' beneath a blanket of velvety mashed cassava. Topped with a golden crust of parmesan cheese, it’s the perfect balance of salty, creamy, and satisfying flavors.
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Ingredients
Cassava Mash
Beef Filling
Topping
Method
Prepare the Mash
While the cassava is still warm, mash it thoroughly and place it in a pot over medium heat along with the margarine and salt.
Stir in the heavy cream until the mixture reaches a smooth, velvety consistency, then set aside.
Sauté the Filling
In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic in a drizzle of olive oil until fragrant.
Incorporate the shredded beef and fry for a few minutes to develop flavor.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until softened; season with pepper and adjust salt if necessary.
Assemble and Bake
Grease a baking dish and spread half of the cassava mash evenly across the bottom.
Layer the beef mixture over the mash, then cover with the remaining cassava cream.
Generously sprinkle grated parmesan over the top and bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Chef's Notes
Ensure the beef is properly desalted before starting. Serve hot for the best cheesy crust experience.