Cassava pie, so traditional on our tables, can be given a new life with a mini version that will surprise your palate and that of your guests!
In addition to being a simple and flavorful recipe, it offers benefits such as ease of assembly, a variety of fillings for all tastes and a gourmet touch that impresses without complications. Ideal for events, lunch boxes or even that special dinner at home.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to prepare your own mini cassava pie: from preparing the creamy puree to tricks for incredible fillings, as well as suggestions for herbs, cheeses and creative ideas to make everything even tastier. Get ready to get your hands dirty, and receive lots of compliments!
Ingredients that Make All the Difference
The basis of success is choosing the right ingredients. Let’s now explore in more detail the main components that guarantee flavor and texture to your cassava stew.
The Perfect Cassava Puree
The cassava is the heart of the dish. For a smooth and velvety puree:
- Cook until the cassava is very soft.
- Remove the strands and mash well with a fork or food processor.
- Mix with butter, cream and a pinch of salt.
- Want an extra touch? A drizzle of olive oil or grated nutmeg enhances the flavor even more.
It’s also worth noting that the ideal point is when the puree is firm enough to support the filling, but still creamy.
Fillings That Will Win Over Your Tastebuds
It’s important to emphasize that the filling is where you can unleash your creativity. Traditional or vegetarian, the secret is in the seasoning.
Succulent Dried Meat
- Desalt the dried meat for 24 hours, changing the water a few times.
- Pressure cook until it shreds easily.
- Sauté with red onion, garlic, olive oil and chili pepper.
- Finish with fresh parsley and, if desired, a touch of smoked paprika.
Creative Vegetarian Filling
- Sauté mushrooms with onion and garlic until golden.
- Add grated zucchini, carrots and a touch of soy sauce.
- Season with thyme, oregano or fresh basil.
- For more consistency, add cooked lentils or soy protein.
Assembly: The Charm of Individual Portions
Let’s delve a little deeper into this topic, because presentation makes all the difference.
- In ramekins or individual molds, place a layer of mashed potatoes.
- Add the chosen filling.
- Cover with more mashed potatoes to the top.
- Finish with grated cheese – mozzarella, parmesan or curd cheese work very well.
- Bake in a preheated oven (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
If you want to surprise even more, decorate with fresh herbs or a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
Regional Variations of Escondidinho
Escondidinho is loved all over Brazil, but with unique twists in each region. Check out some interesting variations:
- Northeast: Dried beef with mashed cassava, pepper and coalho cheese.
- Southeast: Version with shredded chicken, corn and catupiry cheese.
- South: With ground beef or jerky, finished with fresh herbs.
- North: Uses fish or shrimp as filling, with a touch of tucupi.
- Central-West: Mixes flavors with mashed sweet potato or yam.
Exploring these variations is a delicious way to get to know Brazil through its flavors!
Side Dish Suggestions
Your cassava escondidinho can be made even more complete with simple side dishes that contrast textures and enhance the flavor:
- Tomato vinaigrette with cilantro – light and refreshing.
- Warm kale or arugula salad – adds color and a spicy touch.
- Crunchy farofa with banana or garlic – texture and flavor of grandma’s house.
- White rice or rice with garlic – perfect for those who want a more substantial dish.
These combinations create a rich and balanced meal with affordable ingredients.
How to Serve at Events and Parties
The mini escondidinho is a star at parties! Here’s how to make it look good:
- Use glass or ceramic jars – pretty and sustainable.
- Decorate with fresh herbs or a drizzle of flavored olive oil.
- Set up a station of escondidinhos with different flavors so that guests can choose their favorite.
- Serve with bamboo or stainless steel spoons, giving a gourmet touch to the buffet.
This finger food format adds value and is a hit at birthdays, weddings and corporate events.
Best Apps to Learn, Save and Explore Recipes
Check out the most popular and useful apps for those who love to cook with practicality and inspiration:
Tastemade Brasil
Ideal for those who learn visually! The app features short, well-edited and explanatory videos with modern, creative and accessible recipes. Great for watching the entire preparation before going to the kitchen.
Cookpad
Perfect for those who love sharing recipes and checking out how other people prepare the same dish. You can publish your version of the cassava cassava stew and see what the community thought.
Fit and Low Carb Versions of Escondidinho
Yes, it is possible to enjoy this delight even if you follow a restricted diet:
Fit version:
Replace the cream with unsweetened natural yogurt or light cream cheese. Use lean meat or shredded skinless chicken. Avoid very fatty cheeses and use vegetables in the filling.
Low carb version:
Swap the cassava for cooked and mashed cauliflower. The result is surprisingly similar! In the filling, choose proteins and vegetables with a low glycemic index, such as spinach, zucchini or ground beef.
These adaptations make the dish lighter without losing its characteristic flavor.
Common Mistakes When Making Cassava Pie
Avoiding certain mistakes can guarantee a restaurant-worthy dish:
Watery mash:
The cassava must be well drained. Avoid blending it with too much water.
Dry filling:
Dried meat needs to be sautéed with a little fat and broth. This ensures juiciness and prevents it from becoming “pulpy”.
Lack of seasoning:
Cassava is neutral, so be careful with the seasoning of the filling and use herbs in the puree as well.
Gratinating with the wrong cheese:
Very moist cheeses (such as ricotta or fresh Minas cheese) do not gratinate well. Use mozzarella, parmesan, curd or provolone.
Sweet Inspirations: Escondidinho Goes Beyond Savory!
That’s right: escondidinho can also be a dessert! The structure works well with sweets that combine layers. Check out these irresistible ideas:
- Dulce de leche pie with cassava puree and coconut
- Caramelized banana pie with cassava cream and cinnamon
- Paçoca version with sweet cassava puree and nuts
In these versions, the puree is sweetened with condensed milk or demerara sugar, and the filling can be made with fruits or thick creams. Ideal to serve hot with a scoop of ice cream on top. Can you imagine?
How to Adapt the Recipe for Children
Want to win over the little ones’ taste buds? Cassava pie can be a nutritious, fun and versatile option for children.
Tips for adapting:
- Use shredded chicken with chopped vegetables in the filling.
- The puree can include mild cheese such as mozzarella or cream cheese.
- Pour it into colorful molds or molds with faces, creating visual appeal.
- Avoid very strong peppers and herbs.
- For the more demanding, include grated carrots or zucchini in the puree, camouflaging nutrients with flavor!
The Curious History of Escondidinho
Did you know that escondidinho was born from the need to reuse food and ensure a nutritious meal with simple ingredients? It originated in the Northeast, where cassava (or macaxeira) has been a staple food since indigenous times.
Originally made with sun-dried meat and cassava puree, the dish got its name because the filling is “hidden” under the layer of puree. Over time, it has been reinvented, it has been filled with chicken, shrimp, vegetables and even sweet versions!
This mix of tradition and creativity is what keeps the cassava escondidinho so current and present on Brazilian tables to this day.
Incredible Tips to Make Your Pie Unforgettable
Now, let’s go beyond the basics with tricks that make all the difference:
- Herb butter on the base: grease the pan with butter mixed with rosemary or sage for an irresistible aroma.
- Crispy cheese on top: use a mixture of parmesan and panko flour to create a crispy crust.
- Candied garlic in the filling: enhances the flavor of dried meat or vegetables.
- Sicilian lemon zest in the puree: adds a sophisticated citrus touch.
- Calabrian or finger pepper: for those who like a balanced spiciness.
Another important point to consider is that you can prepare everything in advance, refrigerate it and just gratinate it when ready to serve. Perfect for those who like convenience without sacrificing flavor!
Conclusion: Cassava pie
Now that you know how to prepare your own cassava cassava pie in creative and individual versions, it’s time to put it all into practice. From the velvety puree to the well-seasoned fillings and irresistible gratinated dishes, you have all the secrets to surprise and delight.
Remember the benefits we highlighted: practicality, versatility and charming presentation. This recipe combines tradition and innovation, a dish with a Brazilian soul and its own personality.
So, how about trying this recipe today? Take the opportunity to test new combinations, adapt it to your taste and share it with those you love. The next dish that will win everyone over could come straight from your kitchen.
Surprise with flavor, simplicity and creativity. Your mini escondidinho is about to become the new favorite in the house!
