Picadinho de Milho

Picadinho de Milho or Chopped Beef with Corn is a Brazillian dish traditionally served at botequim or pub restaurants. I've also seen several references to the dish being one traditionally made for festivals and other community occasions.

It is a simple dish with few ingredients, and like so many dishes traditional for festivals and gatherings, it is hearty and moreish. As such, enjoy this dish for what it is rather than expecting some sort of high-brow delight from it. It's soul food, enjoy it with rice and a fried egg.

Ingredients (Serves 4 as main)

• 500gm blade steak
• 1 red capsicum
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
•  1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
•  2 cups sweet corn
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Method

Finely dice the beef, discarding any sinew

Dice the capsicum and onion to be in pieces about the size of the corn

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onions and saute for 3 minutes.

Add 2/3 the capsicums and the garlic and saute for a further 3 minutes.

Turn heat to high then add the beef and cook until well browned

Stir through the tomato paste with about 1 cup water
Cook for 2-3 minutes to form a sauce.
Season to taste and add the corn
Cook for a further 2-3 minutes.
Serve with rice and/or bread