Taste Test – Rice and Beans

Taste is a case of individual preference and the perfect example is the Brazilian dish of Rice and Beans. Now rice and beans is common throughout South and Central America but I am referring to the Brazilian variety that Rita grew up with in Arapongas, Parana. Rita prefers Pinto Beans instead of the more popular Black Beans otherwise the recipe remains the same. A simple dish of bacon fat, salt, bay leaves and beans added to white rice was a staple for Rita and many other Brazilian children growing up. She and Alex both love the dish and Rita would gladly eat it on a daily basis. For me the mildly flavored beans and rice are bland and insipid, I find the beans mealy in texture and lacking flavor.

A piece of meat (usually beef) and caramelized onions are a common addition to the dish

The beans are partially mashed with a little water to make a sort of sauce