Step 1 of 6
Escondidinho de carne seca
Rinse the carne seca and put the chunks in a large bowl of cold water in the fridge for 24 hours, changing the water three or four times. Taste a corner at the end: it should be pleasantly salty, not harsh.
Tip: In a hurry, boil it for 10 minutes, drain and repeat twice. It works, but the meat ends up drier.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Escondidinho de carne seca take?
26 hr 15 min all in — 30 min prep, 1 hr 45 min cook, 24 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Gluten-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Mixing bowl, Pressure cooker, Saucepan, Frying pan, Oven.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp.
What can I use instead?
Carne seca → Beef chuck or brisket, slow-cooked and shredded. Skip the soaking, cook it with salt, and season the filling well. Milder, but the dish still works.
What should I watch for?
Fill the pressure cooker no more than two-thirds full and let the pressure drop completely before you open it. Manioc must be cooked until completely soft all the way through. Never eat it raw or underdone.
Any tips from this recipe?
Frozen peeled manioc from Latin American or Asian shops is good here and saves the peeling. Assemble it the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it for about 35 minutes from cold. A layer of requeijão or cream cheese between the meat and the purée is a popular restaurant addition.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.