“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness!”
Escondidinho is one of Brazil’s most beloved comfort foods.
This dish features layers of creamy cassava purée and flavorful dried beef, topped with melted cheese for a golden, irresistible crust.
It’s hearty, rich, and perfect for family meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 kg dried beef, desalted, cooked, and shredded
- 2 onions, sliced
- ½ cup chopped parsley
For the Purée:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 kg cassava, peeled, cooked with salt, and mashed
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups creamy requeijão (or cream cheese)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan.
- Add the shredded dried beef and onions, sautéing until the onions are soft and caramelized.
- Stir in the parsley, mix well, and set aside.
Make the Cassava Purée:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the mashed cassava, milk, and creamy requeijão.
- Stir well until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Escondidinho:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a baking dish, spread half of the cassava purée.
- Add a layer of dried beef filling on top.
- Cover with the remaining purée and smooth it out evenly.
Bake & Serve:
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips for a Perfect Escondidinho
Alternative fillings: You can substitute the dried beef with shredded chicken, ground beef, or shrimp.
Make it creamier: Add a bit of heavy cream or more requeijão for an extra silky texture.
Extra crunch: Top with panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for a crispy finish.
Side pairings: Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic rice for a complete meal.
This Cassava Escondidinho with Dried Beef is a delicious, comforting dish that brings authentic Brazilian flavors to your table.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich, savory goodness—a meal that will impress every guest!
Try this recipe today and experience the taste of true Brazilian comfort food!
Creamy Cassava Escondidinho with Dried Beef, a traditional Brazilian comfort food. A rich, cheesy, and delicious dish perfect for family meals or special occasions!
Additional Information
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty Level: Medium
- Special Care: Ensure the cassava is well-mashed for a smooth and creamy purée.
- Curiosity: Escondidinho gets its name from the Portuguese word “escondido,” meaning “hidden”, as the meat is hidden between layers of cassava purée.
Would you like to add a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Hello! I created this blog to share with you my passion for Brazilian cuisine, showing you how easy and enjoyable it is to prepare delicious dishes. We want this blog to be a space for exchange, where you can learn, experiment and be inspired by our culture.