Traditional Carreteiro Rice Gaucho

Carreteiro rice is an iconic dish from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.Created by the trailers carrying oxen -pulled loads, this robust dish was prepared with ingredients that could be easily preserved during long journeys such as dried meat and rice.Here, you will learn how to prepare authentic gaucho carreteiro rice, perfect to gather family and friends!

### Ingredients:
- 500g of desalted dried meat and cut into small cubes
- 2 cups of white rice
- 4 cups of water
- 1 large chopped onion
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- 1 chopped green pepper
- 3 tablespoons of oil or pork lard
-Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped green smell (parsley and chives) to finish
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional, to give color)

### Preparation:

1. ** MEAT PREPARATION: ** Start by desalting the dried meat.For this, soak it in water for at least 12 hours, changing the water a few times.After desalted, cook the meat in a pressure cooker for about 30 minutes, or until soft.Drain and, if necessary, shred or cut into smaller cubes.

2. ** Sauté: ** In a large pan, heat the oil or pork.Add onion and garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant.Add the peppers and the dried meat already cooked, saating for a few minutes for the flavors to mix well.

3. ** Cooking the rice: ** Add the rice to the pan and sauté briefly so that all grains get involved in the mixture of flavors.If you choose to use, add the paprika right now to give a vibrant color to the plate.

4. ** Adding water and spices: ** Pour the four cups of water and season with black pepper to taste.Correct salt if necessary.Increase the fire until the water begins to boil, then reduce to low heat, cover the pan and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water has completely evaporated.

5. ** Finishing: ** After the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and leave the pan covered for another 5 minutes for the rice to end to steam.

6. ** Serving: ** Release the rice with a fork, add the chopped green smell and mix gently.Serve hot, ideally accompanied by a green salad or a fried egg on top, for those who enjoy an even more complete meal.

I hope you enjoy this traditional gaucho dish, which is not just a meal, but a celebration of the traditions and the history of Rio Grande do Sul.