In thinking about taking you on this trip to Brazil, we searched high and low for a recipe that would not only be easy to prepare, but would also give you a taste of the culture of this wonderful country. The end result of our search: Feijoadas! It's an interesting dish, the recipe of which varies slightly from village to village. Here is the classic, foolproof recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups black beans, soaked in water overnight
• 1 ½ lbs. brisket, chopped (*can also use tenderloin or filet)
• 1 lb. Chorizo sausage
• 1 lb. pork rib, sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 can tomato paste

Method:

Soak beans in water overnight. Drain, then add to a large stockpot.

Add meat to pot.

Brazil is originally a Portuguese colony, and the addition of spicy Chorizo sausage is essential to this recipe. Cut on the bias into one-inch pieces, and then add to the pot. Add pork rib, sliced to leave the meat on the bone.

Add bay leaves.

Fill pot with water, making sure that the meat and the beans are completely covered. Stir, then cover and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer and allow to cook for 2 hours.

Next, heat vegetable oil, onion and garlic in a skillet.

Once onions are golden brown, transfer two ladles of beans from the pot into the skillet. Mash the beans into the onions; allow to cook then transfer into the pot to make the mixture nice and thick. Stir.

Add tomato paste, cover, and then allow to cook for one hour.

Traditional presentation is to serve it in a bowl over white rice. If you are a Brazil Nut like me, Feijoadas must be included on your Brazilian table. Delicious!