- Can I use tinned palmito?
- Yes, in fact, that's what is mostly available. Rinse thoroughly from the brine before use.
- What fish should I choose?
- Any smoked white fish is good, but cod is the most authentic.
Brazilian Torta Capixaba with hearts of palm
This rich coastal pie is the culinary gem of Espírito Santo state, traditionally baked in a clay pot. The tender, slightly nutty flavour of 'Palmito' (hearts of palm) creates a perfect contrast with the salty character of the smoked fish. This is not a sweet cake, but a substantial egg and vegetable main course, an essential part of Brazilian Easter tables.
Ingredients
300
g
Palmito (Hearts of palm, tinned)
2
pcs
Potatoes
1
pc
Onion
3
cloves
Garlic
200
ml
Single cream or Cooking cream
2
pcs
Eggs
100
g
Grated cheese (e.g. Edam or Cheddar)
200
g
Smoked fish fillet (e.g. Cod)
1
tsp
Salt
0.5
tsp
Ground pepper
1
bunch
Fresh Coriander
1
tsp
Dried oregano
2
tbsp
Olive oil
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Deep frying pan
- Ovenproof dish (or clay pot)
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Milk
Fish
Eggs
Instructions
1
✓
Peel the potatoes and cut into small 1x1 cm cubes. Parboil in salted water for 5 minutes (until half-cooked), then drain.
Tip: Parboiling ensures everything finishes cooking at the same time in the oven.
2
✓
Finely chop the onion and garlic. Sauté them in olive oil in a pan until translucent.
Tip: Caramelisation of the onion provides the sweet base flavour of the dish.
3
✓
Add the flaked smoked fish and the parboiled potatoes to the onion. Fry for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the sliced palmito.
Tip: The intense flavour of the smoked fish permeates the potatoes at this stage.
4
✓
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the cream, salt, pepper, and oregano. Pour over the pan mixture and cook over low heat, stirring, until it begins to set.
Tip: This 'binder' (emulsion) will hold the pie together when slicing.
5
✓
Pour everything into a baking dish. Sprinkle with grated cheese and bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Tip: The browning cheese (Maillard reaction) adds extra flavour and crispy texture.
6
✓
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, then sprinkle with fresh coriander.
Tip: During resting, the internal structure stabilises, making it slice beautifully.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 300 g Palmito (Hearts of palm, tinned)
- 2 pcs Potatoes
- 1 pc Onion
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 200 ml Single cream or Cooking cream
- 2 pcs Eggs
- 100 g Grated cheese (e.g. Edam or Cheddar)
- 200 g Smoked fish fillet (e.g. Cod)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground pepper
- 1 bunch Fresh Coriander
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 2 tbsp Olive oil