Classic Brazilian Baixaria

What you’ll need

8 tools across 5 steps.

• skilletEssentialsteps 1, 2
• knife (if cutting)Essentialstep 1
• Cutting boardEssentialstep 1
• saucepanEssentialstep 3
• WhiskEssentialstep 3
• frying panEssentialstep 4
• mixing bowlEssentialstep 5
• LadleEssentialstep 5

Method

1. 1

   Prepare the Beef Base

   Heat half the vegetable oil (about 30 ml Vegetable oil) in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.

   Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   To save time, you can chop all your vegetables before you start cooking. This is called mise en place.

   Timer: 7 minskilletknife (if cutting)Cutting board
2. 2

   Cook the Ground Beef

   Add the ground beef (500 g Ground beef (80/20)) to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned all over.

   Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, paprika, and a portion of the salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.

   For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a beef bouillon cube along with the spices.

   Simmer beef: 15 minskillet
3. 3

   Prepare the Cornmeal (Angu)

   While the beef is simmering, prepare the cornmeal. In a medium saucepan, bring the water (1000 ml Water) and a pinch of salt to a rolling boil.

   Slowly and steadily pour in the yellow cornmeal (200 g Yellow cornmeal) while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once all the cornmeal is incorporated, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes, or until it's thick and creamy.

   If the cornmeal becomes too thick, you can whisk in a little more hot water until it reaches your desired consistency.

   Cook cornmeal: 15 minsaucepanWhisk
4. 4

   Fry the Eggs

   In a separate small pan, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully crack the eggs (4 unit Eggs) into the pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. You may need to do this in batches.

   Fry the eggs for 2-3 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny (sunny-side up).

   For a perfect sunny-side up egg, you can cover the pan with a lid for the last minute of cooking. The steam will help cook the top of the whites without overcooking the yolk.

   Timer: 5 minfrying pan
5. 5

   Assemble and Serve

   To serve, spoon a generous amount of the creamy cornmeal into each of the 4 bowls. Create a well in the center.

   Ladle the savory ground beef mixture over the cornmeal. Top each bowl with a freshly fried egg.

   Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and serve immediately.

   Baixaria is also delicious with a few drops of hot sauce or some pickled chili peppers on top for an extra kick.

   Timer: 3 minmixing bowlLadle