Who doesn't love a good cassava stew? This irresistible combination of creamy cassava and shredded dried beef is a classic of Brazilian cuisine that warms the body and soul. Perfect for a family lunch or a cozy dinner, the stew is that dish that brings comfort and flavor to any occasion.
Imagine a soft and creamy cassava puree covering a generous layer of shredded dried meat, all topped with melted cheese. Yum, just thinking about it makes your mouth water!
Ingredients:
For the Cassava Puree:
- 1 kg of cooked cassava
- 1 cup whole milk
- 50g butter
- Salt to taste
- Grated nutmeg to taste
For the Filling:
- 500g of desalted and cooked dried meat
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 chopped tomatoes
- 1 chopped green pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped chives
- 200g grated mozzarella cheese
What each ingredient does:
- Cassava: The creamy base of the dish, rich in carbohydrates and vitamins.
- Milk and butter: They make the puree even creamier and tastier, adding a touch of richness.
- Nutmeg: Enhances the flavor of cassava, giving it a sophisticated touch.
- Dried meat: The star of the filling, with its intense flavor and shredded texture.
- Onion, garlic, tomato and pepper: They add flavor and color to the stew, creating an aromatic base.
- Olive oil: It adds flavor and a special touch to the stew, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Salt, pepper and parsley: They season the dish and balance the flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese: Gratinate the dish, leaving it golden and irresistible, with a creamy touch.
Preparation method:
- Cassava Puree: Cook the cassava until soft, mash it and add the milk, butter, salt and nutmeg. Mix well until you get a creamy and homogeneous puree.
- Filling: Shred the dried meat and sauté with the onion, garlic, tomato and bell pepper until the vegetables are soft. Season with salt, pepper and parsley.
- Assembly: In a baking dish, place a layer of the dried meat stew, cover with the cassava puree and finish with the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Baking: Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and forms a crispy crust.
The History of Escondidinho
Escondidinho is a typical Brazilian dish with humble origins. It is believed to have emerged as a way to use up leftovers, such as cooked cassava and dried meat. Over time, the dish became more sophisticated and became a classic in our cuisine, present in several regions of the country.
Healthy Version of Escondidinho
For a healthier version, use organic cassava and good quality dried meat. Replace the mozzarella cheese with white cheese or ricotta. Use skim milk or coconut milk in the cassava puree. Increase the amount of vegetables in the filling by adding broccoli, cauliflower or spinach.
How to Make Money with this Recipe
Escondidinho is a very popular dish and can be a great option for those who want to start a business in the culinary field. Here are some ideas:
- Sale at events: Prepare the escondidinho and sell it at food fairs, corporate events and parties.
- Create a delivery: Offer escondidinho as an option in your lunchbox or meal delivery.
- Offer cooking classes: Teach others how to make this delicious and creative recipe.
- Create custom kits: Put together kits with the hidden dish and accompaniments, ideal for gifting on various occasions.
- Online sales: Create an online store and sell your hidden treats frozen or made to order.
Conclusion
So, did you like the recipe? I'm sure this hidden dish will be a huge hit in your home! Remember, the kitchen is a place to have fun and experiment. So, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and create your own versions of this recipe. And if you do, tag me on social media, I'd love to see the results!
Extra Tips:
- Side dishes: Serve the escondidinho with a green salad, vinaigrette or crunchy farofa.
- Variations: Try using other types of meat, such as shredded chicken or calabresa sausage. Add different vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini, carrots or chayote.
- Presentation: Use a pretty baking dish to serve the escondidinho and decorate with chopped parsley or cheese shavings.
Did you like the result? I can help you create more amazing posts for your blog!
Possible additional topics:
- History of the hidden: Explore the origins of escondidinho and its different variations around Brazil.
- Types of cassava: Present different types of cassava and their characteristics, such as wild cassava, yellow cassava and purple cassava.
- Meat variations: Suggest different types of meat for the escondidinho filling, such as stewed meat, calabresa sausage or sun-dried meat.
- Side dishes: Explore different options for side dishes for the escondidinho, such as white rice, bean puree, vinaigrette and farofa.
- Creative packaging: Tips for packaging your escondidinho in a practical and beautiful way, ideal for giving as a gift or taking to a picnic.
