Escondidinho, which means ‘little hidden’ in Portuguese, is a classic Brazilian casserole dish. With layers of creamy mashed cassava (yucca) and a rich filling, often made with shredded meat, it’s the epitome of comfort food in Brazil. The dish is both hearty and flavorsome, making it a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike.
Equipment Required for the recipe
- Large pot
- Medium skillet
- Potato masher or electric mixer
- Ovenproof casserole dish
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Estimated time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes
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Ingredients
- 1kg cassava (yucca), peeled and chopped
- 500g shredded chicken or beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 200g grated cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
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Instructions
- In a large pot, boil the cassava until tender. Drain and mash until smooth with butter and cream. Season with salt and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the meat and cook until browned.
- Mix in the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until flavors meld.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In an ovenproof casserole dish, layer half the mashed cassava at the bottom.
- Spread the meat mixture over the cassava layer.
- Top with the remaining mashed cassava. If desired, sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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Important notes about the recipe
- The traditional meat for Escondidinho is sun-dried beef, but shredded chicken or ground beef can be used for convenience or preference.
- Cassava (yucca) can be found in most Latin grocery stores.
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Conclusion
Brazilian Escondidinho is a flavorful journey that showcases the heart and soul of Brazilian cuisine. Its layers provide contrasting textures, from the creamy cassava to the rich, meaty filling, delivering a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re reminiscing about a trip to Brazil or trying this dish for the first time, Escondidinho is a culinary experience that’ll warm your heart and please your palate.
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Nutritional Information per serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Sugar: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 200g)
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