Escondidinho de Carne Seca (Shepherd's Pie with Dried Beef)

Ingredients

• 1 lb Dried Beef (Carne Seca)
• 2 lb Cassava (Yuca)
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 large Onion
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1/2 cup Green Olives
• 1/4 cup Cilantro
• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1. 1The day before you plan to cook, place the 1 lb Dried Beef (Carne Seca) in a large heavy-bottomed pot and cover with cold water. Let it soak overnight, changing the water at least 3 times to remove excess salt.
2. 2The next day, drain the 1 lb Dried Beef (Carne Seca). Cover it with fresh water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender enough to shred easily with two forks. Drain the beef and let it cool slightly.
3. 3While the beef is boiling, peel the 2 lb Cassava (Yuca). Cut it into 2-inch chunks and place them in a separate large pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the cassava is very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the cassava thoroughly.
4. 4Return the drained cassava to the pot. Add the 1/2 cup Milk and 2 tbsp Butter. Mash the cassava with a potato masher or ricer until completely smooth and creamy. Season with 1 tsp Salt and 1/2 tsp Black Pepper.
5. 5Finely chop the 1 large Onion and mince the 4 cloves Garlic. Heat 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
6. 6Add the shredded dried beef to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir in the 2 tbsp Tomato Paste, 1/2 cup Green Olives, and 1/4 cup Cilantro. Cook for 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. 7Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Carefully spoon the mashed cassava mixture over the beef, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
8. 8Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cassava topping is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

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