But how do you make one? Pumpkin and Dried Beef CasserolePreparing a delicious and surprising meal is always a great way to delight guests. And if you're looking for a traditional Brazilian recipe, you'll surely love learning how to make pumpkin and dried beef casserole. This dish is a true explosion of flavors, combining the sweetness of pumpkin with the succulence and distinctive taste of dried beef. It's a perfect option for those moments when we want to enjoy comforting food full of personality.
Key points of the recipe:
- Pumpkin and dried beef casserole is a traditional and delicious dish from Brazilian cuisine.
- The combination of the sweetness of the pumpkin with the succulence and distinctive flavor of the dried meat creates a unique experience.
- Preparing "escondidinho" involves steps such as preparing the dried meat, cooking the pumpkin, and assembling it in layers.
- You can add a topping and bake the shepherd's pie until it's golden brown, giving it a special touch.
- There are variations of the dish "escondidinho," such as a vegan version and different combinations of ingredients.
Ingredients
Here is a list of all the ingredients needed to prepare the pumpkin and dried beef casserole, from the dried beef to the seasonings and spices:
- 500g of desalted dried meat
- 1kg of pumpkin
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 chopped onion
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 chopped tomatoes
- 1 chopped green pepper
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 200g of grated curd cheese for topping
- Chopped chives for garnish
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried, desalted meat | 500g |
| Moranga pumpkin | 1kg |
| Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1 chopped unit |
| Garlic | 3 chopped cloves |
| Tomato | 2 chopped units |
| Green pepper | 1 chopped unit |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Grated curd cheese | 200g |
| Scallion | To decorate |
Preparing dried meat
To prepare the dried beef for the pumpkin casserole, you need to follow a few important steps. See the detailed process below:
- Desalting dried meat: Before preparing dried meat, it is necessary to desalinate it to remove excess salt. To do this, place the dried meat in a bowl with water and let it soak for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours. This process will ensure that the meat is less salty and more tender.
- Cooking dried meat: After desalting, place the dried meat in a pressure cooker and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and, when it starts to hiss, reduce the heat and cook for approximately 30 minutes. The time may vary depending on the type of meat and the power of the stove. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally before opening the pot.
- Shredding the dried meat: Once the meat is cooked and tender, shred it using two forks or your hands, breaking the meat into smaller fibers.
Ready! Now the dried beef is ready to be used in the pumpkin casserole. Keep reading the next sections to learn how to prepare the pumpkin and assemble this delicious dish.
Preparing the pumpkin
To prepare the pumpkin for the pumpkin and dried beef casserole, you need to follow a few simple steps. Here is the detailed process:
- Peel the pumpkin: Start by removing the pumpkin peel using a sharp knife. Make sure to remove all the peel to achieve a smooth texture in the shepherd's pie.
- Cut the pumpkin: After peeling the pumpkin, cut it into small pieces or cubes, depending on your preference. Remember to remove the seeds and the fibrous inner part of the pumpkin.
- Cook the pumpkin: Now it's time to cook the pumpkin. You can choose to steam it, boil it, or even bake it in the oven. The important thing is that the pumpkin becomes very soft and easy to mash.
After following these steps, your pumpkin will be ready to be used in the pumpkin and dried beef casserole. Now that you know how to prepare the pumpkin, you're closer to enjoying this delicious and traditional Brazilian recipe!
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Peel the pumpkin |
| 2 | Cut the pumpkin into pieces. |
| 3 | Cook the pumpkin until soft. |
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Assembling the "escondidinho" (a type of Brazilian casserole)
Now let's learn how to assemble the delicious pumpkin and dried beef casserole! The assembly is a crucial step to guarantee the perfect texture and flavor of this very special dish.
To begin, you will need to separate the already prepared dried meat and pumpkin. Make sure both ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate the assembly process.
In a heatproof dish or baking pan, start by making a layer of pumpkin puree. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish, filling the entire area.
Next, place a generous layer of shredded dried beef over the pumpkin puree. Spread it evenly, covering the entire surface.
Repeat the process, alternating layers of pumpkin puree and dried meat, until all ingredients are used. Remember to lightly press each layer with the back of a spoon to ensure they are well compacted.
Now that the shepherd's pie is assembled, it's time to finish it off with a special layer of grated cheese. Spread it over the last layer of dried beef, creating an irresistible topping.
Preheat the oven to 180ºC and bake the shepherd's pie for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve your warm pumpkin and dried beef casserole and enjoy this delicious treat!
Extra tip: Variation with curd cheese
To give your pumpkin and dried beef casserole an even more special touch, try replacing the grated cheese with curd cheese. Cut it into small cubes and distribute them over the last layer of dried beef. The curd cheese will melt and form a delicious crust, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin puree | 400g |
| Shredded and prepared dried meat | 250g |
| Grated cheese (or cubed curd cheese) | To taste |
Topping and gratin
After assembling the layered pumpkin and dried beef casserole, it's time to add the finishing touch and make it even more delicious. The final step involves adding a special topping and baking it in the oven to gratinate, which will enhance the flavors and create an irresistible texture.
There are different topping options you can use for your pumpkin and dried beef casserole. One of them is grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and form a golden crust on top of the dish. Another option is to use curd cheese, which will also brown and add a unique flavor.
To finish the shepherd's pie, simply sprinkle your chosen topping over the top of the dish, ensuring all ingredients are well covered. Bake in a preheated oven at medium-high temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and crispy.
The baking time may vary depending on your oven's power, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning. After removing the shepherd's pie from the oven, wait a few minutes for it to cool slightly before serving, ensuring that the flavors develop and the ingredients set.
Ready! Now you know how to finish your pumpkin and dried beef casserole, adding an irresistible topping and baking it in the oven to achieve a crispy and flavorful texture. Serve while it's still hot and enjoy every bite of this traditional Brazilian dish.
Extra tips
To make the perfect pumpkin and dried beef casserole, it's important to follow a few tips and tricks that will guarantee the ideal flavor and texture. In addition, some side dish options and variations on the recipe can give the dish a special touch. Check out some extra tips below:
Tips for making pumpkin and dried beef casserole:
- Choose a ripe, good-quality pumpkin to ensure the right flavor and consistency;
- Thoroughly desalinate the dried meat by soaking it in water for a sufficient amount of time;
- Cook the pumpkin until it is tender, but still retains its shape;
- Use fresh seasonings, such as onion, garlic, and parsley, to enhance the flavor of the dish;
- Try adding grated cheese on top of the shepherd's pie before baking it to get an even tastier topping;
- If you want a healthier option, replace the heavy cream with plain yogurt or tofu cream;
- Serve the "escondidinho" piping hot, accompanied by a fresh salad to balance the dish.
Tips for a perfect shepherd's pie:
- Use a food processor to chop the pumpkin instead of mashing it, to obtain a more homogeneous texture;
- Season the dried meat in advance, letting it marinate in a spice mix for a few hours to better absorb the flavor;
- Add a touch of chopped chili pepper to the dried meat to give it a slight spicy kick;
- Try different types of cheese, such as provolone, mozzarella, or gorgonzola, to add a touch of personality to the dish;
- For a creamier version, add cream cheese or Catupiry cheese to one of the layers of the shepherd's pie;
- Serve the shepherd's pie in individual portions in ramekins or small ceramic pots for a more elegant presentation;
- Prepare the shepherd's pie in advance and only put it in the oven when you're ready to serve it, to ensure it's nice and hot and the topping is golden brown.
| Extra tips | Tricks for a perfect shepherd's pie |
|---|---|
| Choose a ripe, good-quality pumpkin to ensure the right flavor and consistency; | Use a food processor to chop the pumpkin instead of mashing it, to obtain a more homogeneous texture; |
| Thoroughly desalinate the dried meat by soaking it in water for a sufficient amount of time; | Season the dried meat in advance, letting it marinate in a spice mix for a few hours to better absorb the flavor; |
| Cook the pumpkin until it is tender, but still retains its shape; | Add a touch of chopped chili pepper to the dried meat to give it a slight spicy kick; |
| Use fresh seasonings, such as onion, garlic, and parsley, to enhance the flavor of the dish; | Try different types of cheese, such as provolone, mozzarella, or gorgonzola, to add a touch of personality to the dish; |
| Try adding grated cheese on top of the shepherd's pie before baking it to get an even tastier topping; | For a creamier version, add cream cheese or Catupiry cheese to one of the layers of the shepherd's pie; |
| If you want a healthier option, replace the heavy cream with plain yogurt or tofu cream; | Serve the shepherd's pie in individual portions in ramekins or small ceramic pots for a more elegant presentation; |
| Serve the "escondidinho" piping hot, accompanied by a fresh salad to balance the dish. | Prepare the shepherd's pie in advance and only put it in the oven when you're ready to serve it, to ensure it's nice and hot and the topping is golden brown. |
Vegan recipe for pumpkin casserole
In this section, we will present a vegan version of the delicious pumpkin casserole, which is a perfect alternative for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. In this recipe, we will replace the dried meat with plant-based ingredients, maintaining all the flavor and texture that make this dish so special.
Ingredients:
- Kabocha squash – 1 medium-sized unit;
- Textured soy protein – 1 cup (hydrated);
- Onion – 1 medium unit;
- Garlic – 2 cloves;
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons;
- Tomato sauce – 1 cup;
- Bell pepper – 1 medium unit;
- Seasonings to taste (parsley, chives, black pepper, salt);
- Mashed potatoes – 2 cups (for the topping).
Preparation method:
- Cut the pumpkin into medium-sized pieces and cook until soft. Then, mash well until you obtain a consistent puree.
- In a saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until golden brown.
- Add the hydrated textured soy protein and the chopped bell pepper. Sauté for a few more minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce and your preferred seasonings. Cook for approximately 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, assemble alternating layers of pumpkin puree and the soy protein stir-fry.
- Finish with a layer of mashed potatoes and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy this delicious vegan version of pumpkin casserole!
"This vegan version of pumpkin casserole is an incredible and delicious option for those seeking a more conscious diet free of animal-derived ingredients." – Chef Ana Silva
Nutritional information:
| Components | Quantity (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250kcal |
| Proteins | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fats | 10g |
| Fibers | 8g |
Variations of the pumpkin and dried beef casserole
Now that you know the traditional recipe for pumpkin and dried beef casserole, how about exploring some variations of this delicious dish? Check them out below. different ways to make pumpkin and dried beef casserole, adding extra ingredients to create new flavors and culinary experiences.
1. Pumpkin and Coalho Cheese Casserole
How about adding an extra touch of flavor to your shepherd's pie by adding curd cheese? Simply cut the cheese into small cubes and alternate layers of pumpkin and dried beef with the cheese. The result is a shepherd's pie with a slightly caramelized flavor and a touch of saltiness from the cheese.
2. Pumpkin and Roasted Vegetable Casserole
If you're looking for a lighter version of shepherd's pie, one option is to add roasted vegetables to the dish. Slice vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions into rounds and roast them in the oven before assembling the shepherd's pie. Besides being flavorful, the vegetables add texture and color to the dish.
3. Pumpkin and Calabrese Sausage Casserole
A variation with a smoky and spicy touch is the pumpkin and Calabrese sausage casserole. Simply replace the dried beef with thinly sliced Calabrese sausage. The intense flavor of the sausage combines perfectly with the sweetness of the pumpkin.
4. Pumpkin and Cheese Cream Casserole
For cheese lovers, one option is to add a cheese cream between the layers of pumpkin and dried meat. Prepare a white sauce with gorgonzola, parmesan, or any other cheese of your choice and add it to the shepherd's pie. The result is a creamy and irresistible dish.
5. Vegetarian Pumpkin Casserole
If you prefer a vegetarian version of the shepherd's pie, replace the dried meat with plant-based proteins such as mushrooms, tofu, or textured soy protein. Prepare these ingredients with your choice of seasonings and spices before assembling the shepherd's pie. This way, you can enjoy the flavor and texture of the shepherd's pie without using animal-derived ingredients.
| Variation | Ingredients | Preparation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin and Coalho Cheese Casserole | Pumpkin, dried meat, curd cheese | Cut the pumpkin and dried beef into cubes. Alternate layers of pumpkin, dried beef, and curd cheese. Bake in the oven until golden brown. |
| Pumpkin and Roasted Vegetable Casserole | Pumpkin, dried meat, roasted vegetables | Cut the pumpkin into cubes and prepare the roasted vegetables. Alternate layers of pumpkin, dried meat, and roasted vegetables. Bake in the oven until golden brown. |
| Pumpkin and Calabrese Sausage Casserole | Pumpkin, Calabrese sausage | Cut the pumpkin and the Calabrian sausage into cubes. Alternate layers of pumpkin and Calabrian sausage. Bake in the oven until golden brown. |
| Pumpkin and Cheese Casserole | Pumpkin, dried meat, gorgonzola cheese, parmesan cheese (or another cheese of your choice) | Cut the pumpkin and dried beef into cubes. Prepare a white sauce with your chosen cheese. Alternate layers of pumpkin, dried beef, and cheese sauce. Bake in the oven until golden brown. |
| Vegetarian Pumpkin Casserole | Pumpkin, plant-based protein (mushrooms, tofu, textured soy protein), seasonings and spices. | Cut the pumpkin and prepare the plant-based protein with seasonings and spices. Alternate layers of pumpkin and plant-based protein. Bake until golden brown. |
Conclusion
After exploring all the steps of this delicious recipe, we can conclude that the pumpkin and dried beef casserole is a true explosion of flavors. With the perfect combination of the sweetness of the pumpkin and the distinctive flavor of the dried beef, this traditional Brazilian dish is sure to delight everyone.
The careful preparation of the dried meat, the cooking of the pumpkin, and the layering are essential steps to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. The final touch of gratinating the shepherd's pie in the oven adds an irresistible crunch.
Furthermore, it's important to point out that there are many possible variations of this dish. You can experiment by adding different types of cheeses, vegetables, or even create a vegan version by replacing the dried meat with plant-based ingredients. The options are endless.
In short, pumpkin and dried beef casserole is a versatile recipe that pleases all palates. Surprise your guests with this delicious and traditional dish. There's no doubt it will be a guaranteed success!
FAQ
What is the total preparation time for the pumpkin and dried beef casserole?
The total preparation time for the pumpkin and dried beef casserole is approximately 2 hours, considering the time needed to desalinate the dried beef, cook the pumpkin, and assemble the dish.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of dried meat?
Yes, you can use other meats of your choice in place of dried beef, such as shredded chicken, ground beef, or mushrooms. This is a great option for those who don't eat beef.
Can I freeze the pumpkin and dried beef casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the pumpkin and dried beef casserole. We recommend that you assemble the dish as usual and then freeze it. To consume, simply defrost and reheat in the oven.
What's the best way to gratinate a shepherd's pie?
The best way to gratin the "escondidinho" (a Brazilian dish similar to shepherd's pie) is to use grated cheese on top of the last layer of the dish. Bake in a preheated oven at medium-high temperature until golden brown and a delicate crust forms.
Can I vary the recipe for the pumpkin and dried beef casserole?
Yes, you can vary the recipe for pumpkin and dried beef casserole in many ways. Adding different cheeses, such as queijo coalho (a type of Brazilian cheese), or vegetables, such as carrots and broccoli, are some options to give the dish a special touch.
What is the difference between the traditional Brazilian pumpkin and dried beef casserole and the vegan version?
The main difference between the traditional pumpkin and dried beef casserole and the vegan version lies in the substitution of animal-derived ingredients. In the vegan version, the dried beef is replaced with plant-based ingredients, such as soy protein or mushrooms.