Name: Arroz Carreteiro Recipe: A Taste of Brazil
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: Meat: 1 pound of your choice of beef, ideally a lean cut suitable for stewing, such as skirt or flank steak.; Rice: 1.5 cups of traditional white rice, rinsed.; Onion: 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped.; Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.; Tomato: 2 medium-sized tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped.; Green Bell Pepper: 1 large or two small, finely chopped.; Scallions: 3 or 4, thinly sliced, both white and green parts.; Parsley or Cilantro: A small bunch, finely chopped, for garnish.; Cooking Oil: Preferably a neutral oil such as vegetable or canola.; Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.; Bay Leaves: Two or three for flavor.; Cumin: A pinch for a touch of smokiness (optional but traditional).; Red Pepper Flakes: If you like spicy (to taste)

Brazilian cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, traditions, and history, as diverse and vibrant as the country. Arroz Carreteiro, a beloved dish often found sizzling on the stoves of Southern Brazil, is one such thread in this culinary fabric. This hearty beef and rice recipe, infused with the savory spices of the cowboys who historically herded cattle across the region, carries a story of resilience, ingenuity, and an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

If you’re eager to bring the taste of Brazil into your home kitchen, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of crafting the perfect arroz Carretera. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to explore the vast world of Brazilian food, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to sizzle up an authentic Brazilian feast.

Table of Contents

Arroz Carreteiro Recipe: A Taste of Brazil

Recipe by Shajadul IslamCourse: Dinner, Lunch, RecipesCuisine: BrazilDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6-8

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

266

kcal

Ingredients

Meat: 1 pound of your choice of beef, ideally a lean cut suitable for stewing, such as skirt or flank steak.
Rice: 1.5 cups of traditional white rice, rinsed.
Onion: 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
Tomato: 2 medium-sized tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped.
Green Bell Pepper: 1 large or two small, finely chopped.
Scallions: 3 or 4, thinly sliced, both white and green parts.
Parsley or Cilantro: A small bunch, finely chopped, for garnish.
Cooking Oil: Preferably a neutral oil such as vegetable or canola.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Bay Leaves: Two or three for flavor.
Cumin: A pinch for a touch of smokiness (optional but traditional).
Red Pepper Flakes: If you like spicy (to taste)

Directions

Step 1: Preparing the Meat
Prepping the Meat: Start by slicing the beef into thin strips against the grain. This ensures the meat will be tender and more accessible to chew after cooking.
Seasoning: In a bowl, season the beef with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cumin if you’re using it. Mix well to coat all the pieces evenly.
Searing: Heat a large skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a tablespoon of oil and then the seasoned beef. Sear the meat until browned on all sides, remove it from the skillet, and set it aside.
Step 2: Adding Vegetables and Seasonings
Building Aromatics: If necessary, add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet and lower the heat to medium. Add the onions and sauté until they begin to turn translucent.
Sweating the Vegetables: Add the green pepper, scallions, and garlic. Continue to cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Building Flavor: Return the beef to the skillet and mix everything. Now, it’s time to season. Add a pinch of cumin (if you haven’t already), bay leaves, and the red pepper flakes. Mix to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Incorporating Rice and Final Touches
Adding the Rice: With the meat and vegetables combined and seasoned, it’s time to stir in the rinsed rice. This will allow the grains to toast and absorb the delicious flavors in the skillet.
Simmering: Pour in enough water to cover the mixture. Tip in the tomatoes, and give it a quick blend. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Serving: Once the rice is done, remove the skillet from the heat and give it a final taste for seasoning. Top with a generous sprinkle of parsley or cilantro for a fresh note. Serve hot with any of the suggested accompaniments.

Recipe Video

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Tips and Variations

One of the joys of cooking is in making a dish your own. Here are a few suggestions for customizing your arroz carreteiro to suit your preferences:

Meat Matters: Explore other proteins while the traditional recipe calls for beef. Cubed chicken can provide a lighter alternative, while pork cubes offer a richer taste.
Spice It Up: Adjust the dish’s heat by playing with the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, you can omit them altogether or offer them on the side for individual diners to add to taste.
Go Green: If you’re a veggie lover, consider adding greens like kale or spinach for added nutrition. Stir them into the mix during the final minutes of cooking.
Take it to the Next Level: For a special occasion or if you’re feeling fancy, stir in a couple of splashes of white wine just before adding the water and rice. The wine will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

No arroz carreteiro is complete without a fitting stage upon which to shine. Here are some serving suggestions and accompaniments to round out your Brazilian feast:

Salads: A simple salad of shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect side to the robust flavors of Arroz Carretera.
Brazilian Black Beans: Known as “Feijão,” these beans are a classic companion to arroz carreteiro and provide a protein-packed element to the meal.
Farofa: A toasted yuca or cornmeal side dish that adds texture and a nutty taste. Offer it as a topping for the rice, enhancing the flavor and creating an inviting texture contrast.
Caipirinha: To turn your meal into an experience, whip up a classic Brazilian cocktail. The caipirinha, made with cachaça, lime, and sugar, is the perfect prelude to the robust flavors of your main course.

Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef in This Recipe?

As mentioned in the tips and variations section, you can easily substitute beef with chicken for a lighter alternative. Cube about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and follow the recipe as instructed. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of your chicken cubes. And remember to season the meat with salt and pepper before searing, just like beef. Enjoy your delicious arroz carreteiro!

So, treat yourself to this fragrant and flavorful dish that will become a household favorite soon! Experiment with different proteins and accompaniments to make it your own, or enjoy the traditional recipe. Either way, the versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to your liking, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Let your culinary creativity shine as you explore the various ways to enhance this classic recipe. From adding colorful vegetables to incorporating unique spices, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey filled with delightful flavors and memorable experiences!

How do I make Arroz Carreteiro vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the meat and replace it with your favorite vegetable or protein alternative. Some ideas for substitutions include:

Vegetables: Add any combination of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots.
Legumes: Beans are a great source of protein and can add a hearty element to the dish. Consider using black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas as substitutes for the meat.
Tofu: You can use cubed firm tofu instead of beef as a plant-based protein alternative. Just make sure to season it well before searing.

With these simple substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of arroz carreteiro that is both flavorful and nutritious. Happy cooking! No matter your dietary preferences or restrictions, you can still savor the taste of this Brazilian classic. Enjoy!

Remember to share your creations with friends and family and impress them with your newfound cooking skills! Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!) Happy cooking! So, no matter your dietary preferences or restrictions, you can still savor the taste of this Brazilian classic. Enjoy! Remember to share your creations with friends and family and impress them with your newfound cooking skills! Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or mix it with your touches, arroz carreteiro will become a staple in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in Brazilian cuisine’s rich flavors and aromas with this hearty and satisfying dish. Happy cooking!
Experiment with different proteins, vegetables, and accompaniments to create a unique version of Arroz carreteiro that suits your taste buds. And remember to have fun in the kitchen and let your culinary creativity shine! Happy cooking! So, whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, this dish has something for everyone to enjoy. Let the flavors of Brazil transport you with every bite. Bom apetite.

Conclusion

Arroz Carreteiro encapsulates the heart of Brazilian cuisine, offering a celebration of distinctly South American flavor. With this step-by-step guide, you’re on your way to creating an authentic taste of Brazil in your kitchen. The dish’s rich history and adaptability make it a fantastic gateway into the vast and diverse world of Brazilian food.

Tackle this recipe with confidence and bon appétit as you savor a dish that resonates with the spirit of the Brazilian cattle rancher. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or friends or flying solo, arroz carreteiro is a delight to be shared and savored. Obrigado and happy cooking!

Arroz Carreteiro Recipe: A Taste of Brazil