Get ready to experience a simply delicious recipe that will have everyone’s mouth watering. This Brazilian Shrimp Escondidinho (a savory shrimp shepherd’s pie) is the perfect combination of succulent shrimp in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, topped with a creamy mashed cassava (yuca) puree and baked with bubbly, melted cheese. In this recipe, the shrimp truly takes center stage. Don’t wait—find out how to prepare this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients for the Shrimp Escondidinho:
- 1 lb (approx. 450g) cooked, frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Water for blanching
- 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup pitted olives, sliced
- 1/2 tsp all-purpose seasoning (or vegetable bouillon powder)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Salt to taste
- 2.2 lbs (1kg) cassava (yuca), boiled and mashed
- 1 tbsp butter or margarine
- 1/3 cup milk (adjust for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup Brazilian-style cream cheese (or substitute with crème fraîche or softened cream cheese)
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
How to Prepare Shrimp Escondidinho:
- Blanch the shrimp in boiling water for about 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the diced tomato, olives, and the blanched shrimp. Sauté for a few minutes.
- Season with the all-purpose seasoning, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Stir in the tomato sauce. Adjust salt to your liking. Cook for a few more minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix the boiled and mashed cassava with the butter and milk until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt if needed.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the cassava puree. Add the shrimp mixture on top.
- Spread the cream cheese over the shrimp, then cover with the remaining cassava puree.
- Top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve your Shrimp Escondidinho hot, enjoying every creamy, flavorful bite!
Tips for success:
For an extra boost of flavor, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the shrimp mixture. It adds a wonderful aroma to the dish. Also, try pairing the Shrimp Escondidinho with a fresh green salad and fluffy white rice. This combination makes for a complete and incredibly tasty meal.
Did you know?
Did you know that Escondidinho is a classic of Brazilian cuisine? While the traditional version often uses “carne seca” (dried, salted beef), this shrimp adaptation has become a crowd favorite. The marriage of succulent seafood, earthy cassava, and gooey melted cheese creates an unforgettable explosion of flavor.
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