Minced Lamb Escondidinho (Shepherd’s Pie with Cassava)
Escondidinho is a Brazilian layered dish traditionally made with mashed cassava over a seasoned meat filling — similar in concept to shepherd's pie. This version uses spiced minced lamb beneath a smooth cassava topping, baked until golden. Cassava gives the crust a slightly denser, creamier texture than potato.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Masher
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb high-quality
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 large red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup beef broth low sodium
- 2 pices bay leaves
- 2 pounds cassava peeled and cut into chunks
- 0.25 cup milk warm
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in paprika, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Pour in the beef broth and add bay leaves. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove bay leaves.
- Meanwhile, in a pot, cover cassava chunks with water and bring to boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain.
- Mash the cooked cassava with butter and warm milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Spoon the lamb mixture into a baking dish. Spread the mashed cassava over the lamb. Top with grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
Chef’s Tip:
- For a twist, add a pinch of chili powder for a bit of heat! Or substitute cassava with sweet potatoes if preferred.
Nutrition
Calories: 891kcalCarbohydrates: 94gProtein: 30gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 122mgSodium: 562mgPotassium: 1091mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1634IUVitamin C: 88mgCalcium: 243mgIron: 4mg
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