Intro:
Escondidinho de Legumes, also known as Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie, is a comforting Brazilian dish that combines flavorful vegetables with creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty and wholesome meal is perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings with loved ones. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this delicious and satisfying dish!
**Ingredients:**
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup of milk (or plant-based milk for a dairy-free option)
– 3 tablespoons of butter (or vegan butter)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup of corn kernels
– 1 cup of green peas
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1 cup of vegetable broth
– 1 cup of grated cheese (optional, for topping)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the pot with the potatoes. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the diced carrot, zucchini, red bell pepper, corn, and peas to the skillet. Cook the vegetables until they are slightly softened, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, and cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer the mixture for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
7. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the vegetables and spread them out to cover the entire surface. You can use a fork to create decorative patterns on the mashed potatoes.
9. If desired, sprinkle grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for a delicious crispy crust.
10. Bake the Escondidinho de Legumes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Serve this cozy and flavorful Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie hot, and enjoy the combination of creamy mashed potatoes with a medley of vegetables. This Brazilian-inspired dish is a delightful way to elevate your dinner table with comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. Gather your loved ones around and savor this delicious meal that brings warmth and happiness to every bite. Enjoy!
