The rice cart It is one of the most traditional dishes in Brazilian cuisine, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, Minas Gerais and several other regions of Brazil. Its origins date back to the cart drivers, who were responsible for transporting goods between cities and more distant locations in old carts. These travelers needed a practical, durable and tasty food that could be prepared simply during their long journeys. Carreteiro rice, then, was born as a mixture of rice, dried meat or charque and typical seasonings.
In addition to being a delicious meal full of flavor, arroz carreteiro is a very versatile dish, as it can be adapted in many ways, incorporating other regional ingredients, such as vegetables and sausages. Let's learn how to prepare the classic version of this delicacy!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of rice (preferably long grain rice)
- 300g of dried meat (or charque), desalted and cut into cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped or crushed
- 2 chopped tomatoes
- 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley and chives
- 3 tablespoons of oil or olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth (or water, if you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Directions:
1. Desalting the Dried Meat (or Charque):
The first step is to desalt the dried meat or jerky. Place the meat in a pot of water and let it boil for 15 to 20 minutes. After this time, change the water and repeat this process one or two more times, until the excess salt has been removed. Then, cut the meat into small cubes. If you prefer, you can soak the meat for a few hours before cooking to speed up the desalting process.
2. Braising the Meat:
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cubes of dried meat (or beef jerky) and fry until golden brown and crispy. This process of frying the meat will help intensify its flavor, giving it a crispy texture on the outside and juicy texture on the inside.
3. Add the Seasonings:
When the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and golden. Then add the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper (if using), stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to break down.
4. Add the Rice:
Add the rice to the pan and mix well so that it is well coated with the seasonings and meat. Sauté the rice for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains are slightly golden.
5. Cooking the Rice:
Add the beef broth (or water) to the pot, along with the bay leaf, if using. Stir well, season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the water has been absorbed. If the rice needs more water, add a little more broth or hot water during the cooking process.
6. Finish and Serve:
When the rice is ready, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Finish with chopped parsley and, if desired, add a spoonful of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips for Carreteiro Rice:
- Dried meat: Dried meat is the main ingredient in arroz carreteiro, but you can also use dried meat, calabresa sausage or even shredded chicken to vary the recipe. The meat should be fried until crispy, to bring more flavor to the dish.
- Homemade Broth: If possible, use a homemade broth made with beef or chicken to make the rice even more flavorful. Otherwise, store-bought broth works just as well.
- Tomatoes and Peppers: The combination of fresh tomatoes and bell peppers contributes to the dish's light, juicy flavor, but if you prefer a drier rice, you can omit these ingredients or use them sparingly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is optional, but it adds a delicious creaminess to the dish, as well as enriching the flavor with a touch of salt and umami.
Recipe Variations:
- Carreteiro Rice with Vegetables: For a more nutritious and colorful version, add grated carrots, sweet corn or even peas to the rice while it cooks.
- Carreteiro Rice with Sausage: Calabrian sausage or chicken sausage can be added along with the dried meat to give a touch of smoky flavor and more complexity to the dish.
- Gaucho-Style Carreteiro Rice: A popular variation in Rio Grande do Sul includes the addition of beef ribs or shredded pot roast. The meat is slow-cooked, shredded, and then mixed with rice, creating a more succulent and flavorful dish.
Benefits of Carreteiro Rice:
Carreteiro rice is a complete meal, as it combines carbohydrates (rice), proteins (dried meat) and fiber (when accompanied by vegetables). Dried meat is rich in iron and proteins, helping to build muscle and providing energy. The combination with rice offers a balanced and nutritious meal. However, as it is a more caloric dish due to the fried meat and rice, it is ideal to be consumed in moderation, especially for those who are controlling their calorie intake.
