A FRIDGE FULL OF FOOD...

Feijoida is Good by itself but Better with a Friend

 

Invited to lunch yesterday by my friend Teril, I was served a Portuguese treat I'd never had or made before:  Feijoida, a thick multi-meat stew that her husband, Stan, had brought back a love for from his LDS mission to Brazil. Americanizing it slightly, Teril's version is very close to what he ate in Brazil. Originally, Feijoida was a stew created by the African slaves brought to Portugal and all of its colonies, including Brazil.  The stew primarily consisted of black, white, or pinto beans (depending on the country and region), simmered in large clay pots along with a mix of cast off meats available to the slaves:  beef tongue and pig ears, tails, and feet. Thankfully, the stew Teril fed me was made from beef chuck roast, smoked sausage, and bacon.  I hope. More modernly, the stew is served over rice and may be accompanied by additional smoked sausages, kale or collard greens, hot sauce, and sometimes deep fried bananas.

Chris's White Trash Shepherd's Pie Lives Again! The Redux

 

Chris gave me the original recipe for this as "tater tot casserole" but we renamed it White Trash Shepherd's Pie. However, that being named, don't dismiss it.  This is quick, comforting food at it's best and the kids will eat the vegetables to get to the tater tots!

Why the redux?  Not only did I substitute more veggies instead of just the green beans from the first go 'round, I played with the meat as well, using ground deer meat (it's not high falutin' venison if the deer is shot by you or yours), sausage, and bacon.  The difference is a good thing, Martha would say.  More nutrition plus more flavor.

Big kisses to my brother, Hal, for sharing the deer meat!

Another thing I like about this dish, besides the down home country goodness, is that it's a pantry dish. Everything you need is in the pantry and the freezer so not only do you not have to run out to buy ingredients, it's perfect for nights when you have no plan, don't want to cook (quick to put together), and just want something that isn't high brow. I know Gene and I can't be the only ones who crave a church basement-type casserole now and then!