Piggy in a Mud Bath

In fact there is a piggy ,  but  no mud !

Rice and beans is a popular basic Brazilian dish.

Beans are a source of protein, rich in iron and other important
nutrients to our body. 
And rice is a rich source of carbo. 
Preferentially consume at lunch to have power for the rest of your day.

Simple and tasty : The real Brazilian happy meal .

I would be glad with your vote on the Play with your food Contest  .
Mary Candy

Mud
- 2 cup dried Black Beans
- 1 cup chopped Onion
- 1 tsp chopped garlic 
 -  smocked sausage or chopped bacon, about 1/2 cup (or the both) - I used a sort of sausage we have here, called "calabresa".
olive oil
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf or in powder [optional]
cumin powder, a pinch brown pepper 
salt and  black pepper

 Face
2 cups brown or white rice
Salt and 1.2 tsp chopped garlic saute in a tsp oil

Flowers
- 1.2 Sliced Carrot 
- 1.2 Green Peppers
- 1 Slice of Cheese
- Aluminum cutters

For ears and snout
- I Slice Ham 

While the beans cook, prepare the part that’s gonna boost the flavor: 

- Saute the chopped onion, garlic and bacon or smocked sausage;  The delicious smell will take over your kitchen, that’s for sure!
- Add the spices and the tomato paste. Bring it to a boil.

Once the bean is cooked ..
Add the cooked beans and some of the water that turned into broth to the onion mixture.
Cover the pan and cook over low heat, stirring every now and then.
Let it simmer, because then you’ll have a very thick and dense broth.

Cook the rice as usual.

Use a knife or aluminium cutters. 

Press some rice into a  small bowl .
Set on the plate .
Put some beans around this circle.

Cut triangles of ham for the ears and a circle for the snout.
Place the carrots flowers .

Ready...

Bom apetite !