Receita Escondidinho de Carne Seca com Batata

Learn how to make a delicious Brazilian recipe, Escondidinho de Carne Seca com Batata, a comforting dish of creamy mashed potatoes and savory dried beef. Discover tips, nutritional info, and FAQs

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Escondidinho de Carne Seca com Batata

Introduction

Escondidinho de Carne Seca com Batata is a traditional Brazilian dish that marries the rich flavors of dried beef with the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinarily delicious. This dish is often served at family gatherings and is loved by both young and old for its savory and comforting qualities.

In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step process to make this iconic Brazilian dish, provide nutritional information, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you perfect your Escondidinho de Carne Seca com Batata.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 500g of carne seca (dried beef), desalted and shredded
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup of chopped green olives
• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 1 kg of potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup of milk
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Assembly:

• 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Carne Seca (Dried Beef):

• Desalting the Beef: Start by desalting the carne seca by soaking it in water for at least 24 hours, changing the water several times. This step is crucial to remove the excess salt.
• Cooking the Beef: After desalting, cook the carne seca in a pressure cooker with enough water to cover the meat. Cook for about 20 minutes after it starts whistling. Once cooked, shred the beef into small pieces using two forks.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Stir in the shredded carne seca and cook for about 5 minutes until it begins to brown slightly.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
• Mix in the chopped olives and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the filling aside.

3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

• In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
• Add the butter and milk to the potatoes, mashing until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using) and season with salt to taste.

4. Assemble the Escondidinho:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• In a greased baking dish, spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom.
• Add the carne seca filling on top of the mashed potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
• Cover the filling with the remaining mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface.
• Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

5. Bake and Serve:

• Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g (12% DV)
• Protein: 25g (50% DV)
• Fat: 22g (34% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (50% DV)
• Cholesterol: 70mg (23% DV)
• Sodium: 900mg (38% DV)
• Fiber: 4g (16% DV)
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 8% DV
• Vitamin C: 15% DV
• Calcium: 15% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

FAQs

1. What is Carne Seca?

• Carne seca is a type of dried and salted beef commonly used in Brazilian cuisine. It has a unique flavor and is often used in traditional dishes like feijoada and escondidinho.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

• Yes, if you can’t find carne seca, you can use other types of shredded beef or even chicken as a substitute. However, the flavor will be different from the traditional recipe.

3. How can I make the dish healthier?

• To make a lighter version, consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also use low-fat milk and butter alternatives.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven until heated through and the top is golden brown.

5. How should I store leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?

• Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as all the ingredients, including the cheese and butter, are free from gluten-containing additives.

Conclusion

Escondidinho de Carne Seca com Batata is a beloved Brazilian dish that offers comfort and rich flavors in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying out Brazilian cuisine for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy mashed potatoes and savory carne seca filling, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and heartwarming.

Don’t forget to experiment with variations and make it your own. Enjoy this taste of Brazil in your home, and share it with friends and family!