Cassava Soup with Dried Beef: Simple and Delicious Recipe

Introduction

Cassava soup with dried beef is a traditional Brazilian recipe that combines the creamy texture of cassava (yuca) with the bold flavor of dried beef. This dish is perfect for colder days, delivering comfort and nutrition in every spoonful. Besides being delicious, cassava soup with dried beef is rich in nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a cozy dinner. In this article, we will explore the history of cassava soup with dried beef, provide a detailed recipe, share preparation tips, discuss variations, and provide a nutrition table. If you are looking for a foolproof cassava soup recipe with dried beef, this guide is for you.

History of Cassava Soup with Dried Beef

Cassava, also known as yuca, aipim, or macaxeira, is a staple food in many regions of Brazil and Latin America. Its versatility allows it to be used in many preparations, from flours to desserts. Dried beef, in turn, has a long tradition in Brazil, especially in the Northeast, where it is used in many typical dishes.

Combining cassava and dried beef in a soup probably emerged as a way to make the most of these abundant, nutritious ingredients, creating a dish that is both tasty and hearty. Today, cassava soup with dried beef is enjoyed across the country and can be found in many regional variations.

Ingredients

To prepare a delicious cassava soup with dried beef, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for the Cassava Soup with Dried Beef

• 1.1 lb (500 g) cassava (yuca), peeled and cut into chunks
• 10.5 oz (300 g) dried beef, desalted, cooked, and shredded (good quality)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons oil or olive oil (good quality)
• 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth (homemade or good quality)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions and parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Desalt the Dried Beef: Cut the dried beef into chunks and place them in a bowl of cold water. Soak for at least 12 hours, changing the water several times to remove excess salt.
2. Cook the Dried Beef: Drain the desalted beef and place it in a pressure cooker with enough water to cover. Cook for about 30 minutes after reaching pressure, or until tender. Shred the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Soup

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the oil or olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and finely minced garlic until golden and fragrant.
2. Add the Cassava: Add the cassava chunks to the pot and sauté for a few minutes.
3. Cook the Cassava: Add the beef broth and the bay leaf. Cook over medium heat until the cassava is very tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 3: Finishing the Soup

1. Blend the Cassava: Remove the bay leaf and, using an immersion blender or countertop blender, blend the cassava with the broth until creamy. If you prefer a chunky soup, mash the cassava with a fork instead.
2. Add the Dried Beef: Return the soup to the pot, add the shredded dried beef, and mix well. Cook for 10 more minutes so the flavors meld.
3. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Serving

1. Serve the Soup: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley.
2. Sides: Serve with crusty bread rolls or toast.

Prep Time and Yield

• Prep Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Tips for a Perfect Cassava Soup with Dried Beef

• Good-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh cassava and high-quality dried beef to guarantee the best flavor and texture.
• Desalt the Beef Well: Be sure to desalt the dried beef thoroughly so the soup does not turn out overly salty.
• Soup Consistency: Adjust the soup’s consistency to your taste, adding more broth if you prefer a thinner soup or blending the cassava less if you like it chunky.

Cassava Soup with Dried Beef Variations

Cassava Soup with Dried Beef and Collard Greens

Add chopped collard green leaves in the last minutes of cooking for a more nutritious, flavorful soup.

Cassava Soup with Dried Beef and Sausage

Replace half of the dried beef with smoked calabresa sausage for a smoky, spicy version.

Cassava Soup with Dried Beef and Squash

Add chunks of squash along with the cassava for a soup with vibrant color and a lightly sweet flavor.

Nutrition Benefits

Cassava soup with dried beef is a nutritious, complete meal. Cassava is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. It is also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Dried beef, in turn, is a great source of protein and iron, essential for muscle and blood health. Made with fresh, good-quality ingredients, this soup can be a healthy, tasty choice for any meal.

Nutrition Facts

Component	Amount per serving (1 bowl)
Calories	300 kcal
Carbohydrates	40 g
Protein	20 g
Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Dietary Fiber	5 g
Sodium	800 mg
Sugars	2 g

Conclusion

Cassava soup with dried beef is a classic, delicious recipe that combines creamy cassava with bold dried beef. Perfect for colder days, this soup is easy to prepare and always a hit. We hope this complete guide helps you prepare a delicious cassava soup with dried beef at home. Follow the tips and variations to adapt the recipe to your taste and enjoy every spoonful of this tasty delight. Enjoy!

Share This Recipe

If you enjoyed this cassava soup recipe with dried beef, share it with your friends and family! Spread the joy of this delicious dish and help others discover how easy it is to prepare this treat at home.

---

Enjoyed it? See more recipes like this on our site or join our Facebook group.