Delicious Escondidinho Recipe: A Brazilian Comfort Food Classic

Learn how to prepare a delicious escondidinho, a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. This escondidinho recipe is perfect for a family lunch or dinner. Discover how to make a creamy and irresistible escondidinho!

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

Cassava Purée

• 1 kg cooked cassava
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup milk
• Salt to taste
• Nutmeg to taste

Ground Beef Filling

• 500g ground beef
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chopped tomato
• 1/2 cup chopped olives
• Parsley and chives, to taste
• Salt, black pepper, and paprika, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Topping

• 200g shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the purée: Mash the hot cassava with a fork or pass it through a ricer.
2. In a saucepan, combine the mashed cassava, butter, and milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until a creamy purée is formed. Season with salt and nutmeg.
3. Prepare the filling: In a pan, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring to break up the meat well.
5. Add the tomato, olives, parsley, and chives. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for a few more minutes.
6. Assembly: In a baking dish, spread a layer of ground beef.
7. Cover with the cassava purée, spreading evenly.
8. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan, if desired).
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
10. Serve the escondidinho hot.

Tips and Variations

• For a creamier purée, use heavy cream instead of milk.
• Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, shredded dried beef, or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version of escondidinho.
• Add cream cheese between the layers for an even tastier escondidinho.
• Try different types of cheese for the topping, such as provolone or cheddar.

CHEF’s Tips

The key to a perfect escondidinho lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful preparation of each step. Use fresh cassava and cook until very tender to ensure a smooth and flavorful purée. For the filling, don’t skimp on seasonings and fresh herbs, which enhance the flavor of the ground beef. An extra tip is to brown the meat over high heat to seal in the juices and prevent it from becoming dry. For assembly, distribute the layers evenly so that each portion has the ideal amount of filling and purée. Finish with a generous layer of cheese to gratinate and ensure a crispy, golden crust. Serve the escondidinho with a fresh salad to balance the meal.