Cassava Flatbread Mille-Feuille with Papelón Shredded Beef and Avocado Cream
Venezuelan Food
Intermediate

Cassava Flatbread Mille-Feuille with Papelón Shredded Beef and Avocado Cream

An original Venezuelan-inspired dish built with crisp toasted casabe layers, juicy shredded beef scented with papelón, tomato, and ají dulce, finished with a smooth avocado cream, pickled red onion, and fresh cilantro. It brings classic creole flavors into an elegant yet homey presentation.

30 minPrep
90 minCook
120 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 700 g beef flank (for desmechar)
  • 240 g cassava flatbread (4 discos medium)
  • 180 g white onion (chopped diced small)
  • 90 g Venezuelan sweet pepper (without semillas and chopped)
  • 15 g garlic (chopped fino)
  • 200 g ripe tomato (chopped diced small)
  • 30 g tomato paste
  • 25 g grated papelón (or panela)
  • 2 g ground cumin
  • 1 g dried oregano
  • 750 ml beef stock or water
  • 45 ml annatto oil or vegetable oil (divided)
  • 220 g ripe avocado (pulpa)
  • 30 ml lemon juice (divided)
  • 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
  • 45 ml water (for the cream of aguacate)
  • 100 g red onion (en pluma fina)
  • 60 ml white vinegar
  • 8 g salt (or to taste)
  • 2 g black pepper (or to taste)

Nutrition facts

per serving

485 kcal
Calories
31 g
Protein
30 g
Carbs
27 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
25 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

No declared allergens

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Place the beef flank in a pot with 500 ml (2 cups) of the beef stock or water, half of the white onion, half of the garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Cook covered over medium heat for 60 minutes, or until the meat is tender and easy to shred.

  2. 2

    2. While the beef cooks, combine the red onion with the white vinegar, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 20 minutes to lightly pickle.

  3. 3

    3. Remove the beef from the pot, reserve 250 ml (1 cup) of the cooking liquid, and shred the beef into medium strands using two forks.

  4. 4

    4. Heat 30 ml (2 tbsp) annatto oil or vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Sauté the remaining white onion, sweet pepper, and remaining garlic for 5 minutes until fragrant and soft.

  5. 5

    5. Add the tomato, tomato paste, grated papelón, cumin, oregano, remaining salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring, until a juicy base forms.

  6. 6

    6. Add the shredded beef and 250 ml (1 cup) of the reserved cooking liquid. Cook over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is moist and glossy but not runny.

  7. 7

    7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut or break each cassava flatbread into rectangular pieces or quarters for easier assembly. Brush them with the remaining oil and toast on a tray for 6 to 8 minutes, watching carefully so they become crisp without burning.

  8. 8

    8. For the cream, blend or process the avocado with 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, the water, and half of the cilantro until smooth and spreadable. Adjust with a pinch of salt.

  9. 9

    9. To assemble each serving, place a layer of toasted cassava flatbread, add a portion of shredded beef, spread on a little avocado cream, and repeat with another layer of flatbread and beef to create a 2- to 3-layer stack.

  10. 10

    10. Finish each serving with the pickled red onion, the remaining cilantro on top, and an extra touch of black pepper. Serve immediately to keep the contrast between crisp cassava and juicy filling.

Chef tips

For a deeper texture, let the stewed beef rest for 10 minutes before assembling. Toast the cassava flatbread right before serving so it stays crisp.

Substitutions

You can use flank, eye round, or brisket. Lemon can be replaced with lime. If papelón is unavailable, use panela or a smaller amount of brown sugar.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

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