Escondidinho de Charque
Escondidinho de Charque is a typical Brazilian dish made with shredded jerky meat (charque) topped with mashed potatoes or other creamy vegetable purees and baked until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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Escondidinho de Charque reflects Brazil's history of utilizing readily available ingredients. Charque (jerked beef) was historically crucial for preserving meat, particularly in the interior regions. The dish is believed to have evolved from simpler preparations using these preserved meats, combined with the creamy richness introduced by Portuguese culinary influences, ultimately leading to the 'hidden' or 'covered' casserole we know today.
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Escondidinho de Charque is a beloved comfort food in Brazil, representing resourcefulness and culinary adaptation. It's commonly found in homes and restaurants, symbolizing a warm and comforting meal that brings people together.
Regional Variations
The specific ingredients and preparations vary significantly across Brazil's different regions. In some areas, mashed cassava (mandioca) is favored over potatoes. Other variations include the addition of different vegetables or cheeses to the filling or topping. This reflects the diverse culinary traditions within Brazil.
Family Gatherings
Escondidinho is often prepared for family meals and special occasions. It's a dish that can be made in large quantities, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. The act of sharing this dish reinforces family bonds and creates a sense of togetherness.
Charque's Significance
The use of charque in the dish highlights the importance of this preserved meat in Brazilian history and cuisine. Charque was a staple food for cowboys (gauchos) and played a vital role in the development of the country's interior. Its presence in Escondidinho honors this culinary heritage.
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Escondidinho de Charque boasts a delightful contrast between the savory, salty, and slightly chewy charque and the creamy, smooth, and often subtly sweet mashed potato or vegetable puree topping. This creates a comforting and satisfying flavor profile.
The primary flavor components are the intensely savory and salty taste of the charque, typically balanced by the creaminess of the mashed potatoes or cassava puree (mandioca). The charque is often seasoned with onions, garlic, and sometimes tomatoes, adding depth to its flavor. The creamy topping provides a mild sweetness that complements the charque's saltiness. Some variations include cheese, which introduces a further layer of richness and saltiness.
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Charque Preparation
Properly desalting the charque is crucial. Soak it in water for several hours, changing the water frequently, to remove excess salt. This ensures the dish isn't overly salty.
Creamy Topping
For a richer and smoother topping, use a combination of potatoes, butter, and cream or milk. Consider adding a touch of nutmeg or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Cheese Selection
If using cheese, opt for a flavorful melting cheese like queijo coalho or mozzarella. This adds a delicious layer of richness and helps bind the topping together.
Baking
Bake the Escondidinho until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. This ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully.
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