Carne Seca com Abóbora: Authentic Brazilian Dried Beef with Pumpkin | Desapega
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Carne Seca com Abóbora is one of Brazil's most beloved regional dishes — tender shredded dried beef slow-cooked with sweet pumpkin, coconut milk, and aromatics. A dish from the Nordeste that tells the story of Brazilian ingenuity: transforming humble preserved meat into something extraordinary.
With Carne Seca de Vaca from Desapega, you can make this authentic dish at home in the Netherlands.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
From Desapega:
- 300g Carne Seca de Vaca — dry weight, soaked and cooked
- Ferbar Bay Leaves — for soaking and cooking
- Ferbar Alho Granulado — garlic depth
- Yoki Farofa — to serve alongside
- Pimenta Malagueta — for heat (optional)
From Dutch Supermarkets:
- 600g pumpkin (butternut or hokkaido), cubed
- 400ml coconut milk
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- Olive oil
- Fresh coriander or parsley
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Carne Seca (12-24 hours ahead)
- Cut carne seca into 5-7cm pieces
- Soak in cold water in the fridge for 12-24 hours, changing water every 6-8 hours
- Taste — should be lightly salted, not salty
- Pressure cook 25-30 minutes (or simmer 60-90 min) with bay leaves
- Cool slightly, shred with two forks into thin strands
Step 2: Build the Stew (25 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large pan, sauté onions 8-10 minutes until golden
- Add garlic and alho granulado, cook 1 minute
- Add tomatoes, cook 3-4 minutes
- Add shredded carne seca, stir well
- Add pumpkin cubes and coconut milk
- Cover and simmer 15-20 minutes until pumpkin is tender
- Season with pepper, add fresh coriander
Step 3: Serve
Serve with white rice, farofa, and black beans. Add pimenta malagueta for heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is carne seca?
Carne seca is traditional Brazilian salted and dried beef — the base of dozens of classic Brazilian dishes. It must be soaked 12-24 hours before cooking to remove excess salt. Read our full guide (NL).
Where can I buy carne seca in the Netherlands?
At Desapega — online delivery throughout the Netherlands. Full buying guide (NL).
Can I use regular beef instead of carne seca?
You can use pulled beef, but the flavour won’t be the same. Carne seca has a unique intensity from the salting and drying process that fresh beef cannot replicate.
More Carne Seca Recipes & Guides
🛒 Order Carne Seca de Vaca at Desapega — delivery throughout the Netherlands.
Bom apetite! 🇧🇷