Today we are making a dish that is anything but basic, full of vibrant colors and bold flavors: Brazilian Arroz Carreteiro. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Brazilian Arroz Carreteiro:
- 1/2 cup bacon, diced;
- 1/2 cup smoked sausage (like linguica or kielbasa), diced;
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped;
- 2 cloves garlic, minced;
- 1/4 green bell pepper, finely chopped;
- 1 tomato, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped;
- 1/2 cup carne seca (dried salted beef), desalted, cooked, and shredded;
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked;
- Salt to taste;
- 4 cups (1 liter) hot water;
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste.
How to make Arroz Carreteiro:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the bacon and sausage until lightly browned;
- Add the chopped onion;
- Once the onion is translucent, add the garlic and continue to sauté;
- Stir in the green bell pepper and tomato;
- Cook for a few more minutes until softened;
- Add the shredded carne seca and stir to combine;
- Add the rice, stir well to coat, and season with salt to taste;
- Pour in the hot water and cover the pot;
- Cook over low heat until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender;
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving;
- Ready to enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
You can customize this recipe to make it even heartier. Try adding extra bell peppers, shredded beef ribs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
A Little Bit About the History of Arroz Carreteiro:
Arroz Carreteiro originated with the “carreteiros” (wagon drivers) who traversed southern Brazil in ox-drawn carts. They prepared a simple, one-pot meal using dried, salted meat (charque) and rice in cast-iron pans. Because of its simplicity, it was a practical dish for a single traveler to prepare on the road, long before they could reach a stop to enjoy fresh churrasco. It remains a staple of Gaucho cuisine.
Today, modern preparations often use fresh beef, ground beef, or even leftover grilled meats, all collectively referred to as “carreteiro” in honor of its original roots.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Share it with friends! Explore our blog for more delicious, traditional Brazilian dishes.