Feijoada

Originally from Portugal, Caldo Verde, is a quick, no-fuss dish that has long been a family favourite because of its simple ingredients and delicious flavours. It is a cross between a soup and a stew as it includes large chunks of sausage and vegetables.

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Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons mild olive oil
• 600g smoked sausages, cut into large pieces
• 2 banana shallots, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 800g waxy potatoes (Charlotte or Anya) cut into quarters, lengthways
• 500-600ml good chicken stock
• 200g kale, washed, tough stems removed and cut into 1cm shreds
• Salt and pepper

METHOD

Heat the oil in the casserole on a medium heat setting, add the sausages, seal and cook for 3-4 minutes until caramelised. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the shallots and garlic to the remaining oil in the casserole and fry gently for 5 minutes. Add the white wine vinegar and cook for a further minute.

Add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.

Return the sausages to the casserole, along with any resting juices and the chicken stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes until the potatoes are cooked. Stir the potatoes to break up a little in the stew.

Finally, add the kale and cook for 5 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook's Notes

• If preferred, use good quality pork sausages as an alternative to smoked.

• If made one or two days in advance the flavours will intensify. Keep chilled until needed.

• To keep the leaves a vibrant green, do not cook the kale for more than 5 minutes.

• For a vegetarian alternative replace the sausage with a 400g can of white beans, such as cannellini, and use vegetable stock.

Brazilian Breakfast Cake

Breakfast Brazilian-style involves fruit, cheese breads, tapioca, crêpes and lots of cake. Whereas we might enjoy a slice of sponge cake with an afternoon cup of tea, in Brazil they kick-start their day with sugary treats and a sweet, strong coffee.

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Serves 8-12

INGREDIENTS

• 250ml whole milk
• 397g tin sweetened condensed milk
• 30g unsalted butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 150g caster sugar
• 250g plain flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut (optional)
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Icing sugar for decoration

METHOD

Pre-heat oven to 180ºC / 160°C Fan / Gas Mark 4.

In a food processor or blender mix all the wet ingredients together (milk, condensed milk, butter and eggs).

Then add all the dry ingredients (sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, coconut and cheese) and blend for 30 seconds.

Transfer to a greased shallow casserole, or a baking dish, and bake for 50 to 55 minutes.

Allow the cake to cool, carefully remove from the casserole or baking dish, then decorate it with sieved icing sugar.

Cook's Notes

• Do not open the oven when cooking as the mixture is like a batter and needs constant heat.
• Do not worry if the cake cracks a little towards the end of baking.
• Serve for breakfast alongside a bitter coffee, it really does work!
• The coconut and Parmesan cheese are optional but add a little South American sweet and savoury seasoning to the dish.

Beef Flank with Brazil Nuts & Spinach Pesto

The Brazilians’ secret to a delicious grilled steak is marinating. The flavoured oil penetrates the flesh giving more flavour and helping to tenderise the meat. A great alternative to a BBQ, this recipe brings the flavours of the outdoors in and can be made with any cut of steak. Here we use beef flank which is tasty and economical.

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Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1kg-1.2kg beef flank (Bavette)

For the marinade

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 150ml olive oil

For the pesto

• I tablespoon olive oil
• 1 banana shallot, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 200g baby spinach
• 150g feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 125ml evaporated milk
• 50g toasted Brazil nuts
• Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

To marinate

Mix all the ingredients together and pour over the steak in a zip-top freezer bag. Seal and place in the fridge overnight.

For the pesto

Add the oil to the frying pan and heat on a low to medium setting. Gently fry the shallot and garlic for 5 minutes. Allow to cool.

Add all the pesto ingredients to a food processor including the fried shallot and garlic and blend to an even consistency. Season with salt and pepper, set aside.

To cook the steak

Remove the meat from the fridge an hour before cooking. Take out of the bag and dry on kitchen paper to remove any excess marinade.

Pre-heat the Grillit® on a medium heat setting. Test the temperature of the pan before adding the meat – see Cook’s notes - and when hot enough add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side (to cook medium rare - depending on thickness). Don’t be tempted to move the steak before this time; allow the surface to seal on the ribs of the pan. When it is cooked it will release easily.

Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan, put onto a warm plate or dish, cover loosely and rest for 10 minutes. This will ensure the meat is juicy as it will retain more moisture when carved.

To serve, slice the steak across the grain in thin slices and serve the pesto alongside.

Cook's Notes

• To check if the Grillit® is hot enough add a few drops of cold water to the hot surface. If it sizzles and the water evaporates almost immediately, it is hot enough and ready for use. If the water produces steam and has no sizzle, heat the pan for a little longer and repeat the test again.
• For a more substantial meal, mix the pesto through pasta or even mashed potato.
• Add a few large fresh prawns to the Grillit® for a couple minutes for a surf ‘n’ turf take on the recipe.

Moqueca Fish Stew

Originating in the eastern state of Bahia, Moqueca has become a cornerstone of Brazilian cuisine. This fragrant fish stew is made with a mix of firm white fish and enriched with tomato purée and coconut oil.

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Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1kg mixed firm white fish e.g. bass, cod, snapper; filleted, skin removed and cut into 2-3cm chunks
• 8 large prawns, peeled (tails intact), deveined
• Juice of 3 limes
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large red chilli, halved and sliced
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
• 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
• 500ml light chicken stock
• 1 400ml tin coconut milk
• 1 bay leaf

METHOD

Put the fish, prawns, lime juice, lime zest and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Mix well, cover and chill for 20 minutes to marinate.

Heat the olive oil in the casserole on a low to medium heat setting and gently fry the onion for 5 minutes until softened but not browned.

Add the chilli, peppers and garlic and cook for another 8-10 minutes. Add the tomato purée, coconut oil, shrimp paste and bay leaf and cook for a further 2-3 minutes.

Pour in the stock and coconut milk, bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Add the fish and prawns, put on the lid, turn off the heat and leave for 5 minutes.

Cook's Notes

• Do not cook on too high a heat, or overcook, as the fish will become dry and the sauce may start to split.
• Half a jar of potted shrimp or a fish stock cube or 1 tablespoon of miso paste can be used instead of shrimp paste if preferred.
• Serve with rice garnished with lime wedges, chopped spring onions and chopped coriander.

Banana & Pineapple Meringue Pie

Discovered in Rio de Janeiro, this is the perfect dessert for a large gathering. Containing tropical fruit and with a super-sweet taste, it captures the colourful flavours of Brazil perfectly.

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Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

For the fruit and sauce

• 250g caster sugar
• 4 tablespoons cold water
• 120ml double cream
• 50g butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 ripe bananas cut into 2cm slices
• ½ a ripe pineapple cut into 2cm cubes

For the custard

• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or 1 fresh vanilla pod
• 15g cornflour
• 250ml whole milk
• 200g tin sweet condensed milk

For the meringue

• 4 egg whites
• 200g golden caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornflour
• 50g desiccated coconut

 

METHOD

For the fruit and sauce

Pre-heat oven to 200ºC / Fan 180°C / Gas Mark 6

Pour the sugar into the casserole, add the water and stir. Heat gently on a low to medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Turn up the heat slightly and allow to bubble for 5 minutes until the mixture turns to caramel. Do not take off the heat or stir during this process.

Stir in the cream, butter and salt.

Place the fruit into the stoneware dish and pour the caramel over.

For the custard

Whisk the egg yolks, vanilla and cornflour together in the milk pan. Gradually whisk in the milk and condensed milk and bring to the boil, stirring constantly.

When the custard starts to thicken and boil, take off the heat and pour over the caramel. Leave to cool a little.

For the meringue

In a scrupulously clean and dry bowl whisk the egg whites until they double in size and stand in stiff peaks.

Mix the sugar and cornflour together and fold into the egg whites, a third at a time, until shiny and holding the stiff peaks, then fold in the coconut.

Spoon the meringue mix on top of the custard making peaks with each spoonful.

Put the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden on top. Turn off the oven and leave for 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Cook's Notes

• As an alternative to making caramel, buy a tin of Dulce de Leche (boiled condensed milk) available from major supermarkets. Pour it into a bowl, loosen with two tablespoons of double cream and pour over the fruit.

Grilled Cheese Sticks with Honey & Farofa

This popular grilled cheese snack can be found all over Brazil and is the ultimate street food. Traditionally made with queijo coalho and served with either molasses or chimichurri sauce, it is equally delicious made with any of the three readily available cheeses suggested below. The farofa is optional but adds texture and an authentic Brazilian touch to the dish. Ideal as a starter or finger-food for a party.

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Makes 8 sticks

INGREDIENTS

For the cheese sticks

• 400g of either queso fresco, paneer or halloumi cheese, cut into thick 2 x 8cm pieces
• 8 wooden skewers
• Olive oil for brushing
• 2 tablespoons runny honey

For the farofa

• 200g manioc flour; alternatively, semolina, cornmeal or dried panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Hot pepper sauce to serve

METHOD

To make the farofa

Melt the butter in the skillet on a low to medium heat and gently fry the onion for 5 minutes adding the garlic powder halfway through.

Add the manioc (or alternative) flour and continue to cook for 2 minutes to lightly toast. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

To prepare the cheese sticks

Carefully insert the skewers, lengthways, into the cheese pieces.

Pre-heat the grill on a low to medium heat; meanwhile brush the cheese with a little olive oil on all sides. Test the temperature of the pan before adding the cheese – see Cook’s notes - and when hot enough add the cheese and cook for 2 minutes each side until coloured and caramelised. Don’t be tempted to move the cheese before this time; allow the surface to seal on the ribs of the pan. When it is cooked it will release easily.

Brush or roll the cooked cheese sticks in the honey and then roll in the farofa to coat thoroughly.

Serve on a plate or wooden board accompanied with the hot pepper sauce.

Cook's Notes

• Manioc flour can be found in good supermarkets or delicatessens or can easily be ordered online. If preferred use either semolina, cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs instead if easier to find.

Caldo Verde - Shredded Kale & Smoked Sausage Stew

Originally from Portugal, Caldo Verde, is a quick, no-fuss dish that has long been a family favourite because of its simple ingredients and delicious flavours. It is a cross between a soup and a stew as it includes large chunks of sausage and vegetables.

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Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons mild olive oil
• 600g smoked sausages, cut into large pieces
• 2 banana shallots, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 800g waxy potatoes (Charlotte or Anya) cut into quarters, lengthways
• 500-600ml good chicken stock
• 200g kale, washed, tough stems removed and cut into 1cm shreds
• Salt and pepper

METHOD

Heat the oil in the casserole on a medium heat setting, add the sausages, seal and cook for 3-4 minutes until caramelised. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the shallots and garlic to the remaining oil in the casserole and fry gently for 5 minutes. Add the white wine vinegar and cook for a further minute.

Add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.

Return the sausages to the casserole, along with any resting juices and the chicken stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes until the potatoes are cooked. Stir the potatoes to break up a little in the stew.

Finally, add the kale and cook for 5 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook's Notes

• If preferred, use good quality pork sausages as an alternative to smoked.
• If made one or two days in advance the flavours will intensify. Keep chilled until needed.
• To keep the leaves a vibrant green, do not cook the kale for more than 5 minutes.
• For a vegetarian alternative replace the sausage with a 400g can of white beans, such as cannellini, and use vegetable stock.

Grilled Butterflied Chicken & Coriander Rice

A delicious alternative to classic roast chicken and shows how to cook simple, authentic Brazilian rice. The juices from the chicken will soak into the rice adding extra flavour. For an extra-succulent and moist result try brining the chicken before cooking (optional).

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Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1-1.2kg whole chicken, butterflied

For the brine (optional)

• 100g brown sugar
• 100g coarse sea salt
• 1 litre hot water
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons chilli flakes
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 150ml Cachaça
• Juice and zest of 1
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

For the rice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 cup jasmine white rice
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Handful of fresh coriander, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

To butterfly the chicken

Remove the backbone by placing the chicken breast-side down on a board and, using a very sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut along either side of the backbone, staying as close to the bone as possible.

Turn the chicken over. Use a tray or board and press down firmly to flatten the breastbone. Alternatively, ask your butcher to prepare the chicken for you.

To brine the chicken (optional)

In a large bowl big enough to submerge the chicken, mix the salt and sugar with the hot water until dissolved, then mix in all the remaining ingredients. Submerge the chicken, cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

To cook the chicken and rice

Pre-heat oven to 180ºC/ 160°C Fan / Gas Mark 4.

Remove the chicken from the brine (if applicable) and pat dry with kitchen paper and rub all over with olive oil. Discard the brine.

Heat the grill on a medium heat setting. Test the temperature of the pan – see Cook’s notes - and when hot enough place the chicken skin-side down pressing firmly to maximise contact with the grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes then carefully turn over, with tongs, skin-side up and cook again for a further 12-15 minutes.

Place the grill into the oven and cook for 15 minutes more. Remove and allow the chicken to rest on the grill for 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile heat the olive oil in the casserole on a medium heat and fry the onion for 5 minutes, without colouring. Add the garlic powder and rice and cook for a further 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure sure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom and all grains are coated in oil.

Add the water and salt and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, put on the lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked. Remove from the heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Stir through the coriander and serve.

Cook's Notes

• To check if the grill is hot enough add a few drops of cold water to the hot surface. If it sizzles and the water evaporates almost immediately, it is hot enough and ready for use. If the water produces steam and has no sizzle, heat the pan for a little longer and repeat the test again.
• To flatten the chicken weigh it down by placing a heavy pan wrapped in foil on it during cooking.
• Rest the chicken for as long as possible to relax and tenderise the meat
• Garnish the chicken with lime wedges and serve with a pot of hot pepper sauce.

Grilled Prawns & Crushed Avocado Toast

This recipe makes a delicious starter for a dinner party or a show-stopping snack that really shows off the tropical flavours and vibrant colours of Brazil. Nearly all the preparation can be done a day in advance which will leave you more time to spend with your guests.

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Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 6 large tiger prawns, shells and heads on

• 3 cloves of garlic, crushed

• 1 red chilli, halved lengthways, deseeded and thinly sliced

• Olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

For the stock

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Prawn shells

• 1 small onion, chopped

• Thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, sliced

• 200ml coconut milk

• 200ml chicken stock

• Light soy sauce

• Fish sauce

For the salsa

• Half a ripe mango, cut into ½cm dice

• Half a red onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

• 1 red chilli, finely chopped

• Juice and zest of half a lime

• 2 tablespoons olive oil.

For the crushed avocado

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1 tablespoon soured cream

• 1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped

• Juice and zest of half a lime

• 2 slices of sourdough bread cut from a small oval loaf

 

METHOD

To prepare the prawns

Remove the shells and devein the prawns, keeping the heads on. Keep the shells to use in the stock.

Put the prawns, garlic, chilli and olive oil into a bowl, cover and marinate in the refrigerator until needed.

To make the stock

Heat the olive oil in the casserole on a low to medium heat, add the prawn shells, onion and ginger then fry gently for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the coconut milk and chicken stock, bring to the boil and reduce by half, season with half a teaspoon of soy sauce, teaspoon of fish sauce and salt and black pepper.

Strain the stock into a container and discard the shells and vegetables.

Allow to chill and refrigerate until needed.

To make the salsa

In a bowl mix the mango, red onion, basil, chilli, lime juice and zest, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

To prepare the crushed avocado

Cut the avocado in half, remove the stone and then the flesh. Roughly chop the flesh, put in a bowl along with the soured cream, coriander and juice and zest of half a lime. Season with salt and pepper.

Place a layer of cling-film directly onto the avocado mixture, this will prevent the avocado from turning brown, and refrigerate until needed.

To cook and assemble

Remove all items from the fridge, gently heat the stock in a small saucepan.

Heat the grill on a medium heat setting; meanwhile brush the sourdough slices with a little olive oil. Test the temperature of the pan – see Cook’s notes - and when hot enough place the bread onto the grill and toast on both sides. Remove and spread one side of each slice with crushed avocado and place on a stoneware serving platter until needed.

Test the temperature of the grill again with a little water and, if hot enough, add the prawns and cook for 3 minutes on each side. For the final 30 seconds, turn down the heat and pour in the remaining marinade of chilli, garlic and olive oil.

Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully place three prawns on top of each slice of avocado toast and spoon over the pan juices.

Spoon the mango salsa around the toast, then drizzle with stock.

Serve with a hot water and lemon finger bowl.

Cook's Notes

• To check if the grill is hot enough add a few drops of cold water to the hot surface. If it sizzles and the water evaporates almost immediately, it is hot enough and ready for use. If the water produces steam and has no sizzle, heat the pan for a little longer and repeat the test again.

• You can peel the prawns and make the stock and salsa the day before and refrigerate until needed.

• Take care not to burn the garlic when cooking or it will taste bitter.

• Any leftover stock can be frozen for up to two months.

Chicken & Prawn Xim Xim

Somewhere between a stew and a curry, with fragrant flavours, this dish is reminiscent of Thailand and Africa. The name Xim Xim means stew in some African dialects and almost certainly originates from the African continent. This dish is huge in flavour, packs a strong punch and is a real crowd-pleaser. Serve with boiled rice.

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Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

• 4 chicken thighs, cut into 2-3cm chunks
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• Thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ½ cup roasted peanuts, ground
• ½ cup of roasted cashews
• 80-100g dried shrimps, ground in a food processor – see Cook’s notes
• 2 teaspoons tomato purée
• 600ml hot chicken stock
• 200g king prawns, shells and heads removed and deveined
• 50g creamed coconut, grated
• Small bunch fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 bunch spring onions, finely chopped

METHOD

In a bowl, combine the chicken, garlic, lime juice and zest, cover and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Heat the olive oil in the non-stick frying pan on a low to medium heat. Cook the chicken until sealed all over and golden.

Add the onions and cook for around 5 minutes or until soft but not coloured.

Next add the chilli, ginger and turmeric and fry for a further 2 minutes.

Add the nuts, dried shrimps and tomato purée. Stir to combine then add the chicken stock. Cook for 20 minutes to a thick, stew-like consistency.

Finally, add the prawns and creamed coconut and cook for a further 3 minutes.

Garnish with the coriander and spring onions and serve with boiled rice.

Cook's Notes

• Dried shrimps can be ordered online or bought from Asian supermarkets. Alternatively use 1 tablespoon shrimp paste or a few dashes of fish sauce.
• Large, cooked prawns can be used instead of raw, if preferred.

Rice Pudding Cake with Rum & Raisin Apples

Ingredients

• 350ml whole milk
• 350ml double cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped
• Zest of 2 lemons, peeled into wide strips with a potato peeler
• 50g light brown soft sugar
• 100g Arborio risotto rice
• Pinch salt
• Knob unsalted butter
• 250g dulce de leche
• 3 dessert apples (Pink Lady or Cox)
• 50g caster sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 25g unsalted butter
• 50g raisins
• 50ml spiced dark rum

Method

Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F or gas mark 4. Pour all of the ingredients, except the eggs and dulce de leche into a saucepan and bring to the boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Take the pan off the heat and leave to cool for 10 minutes. Remove the vanilla pod and lemon zest then beat in the eggs.

Meanwhile grease a round cake tin with the butter, spread the dulce de leche over the base in an even layer then chill in the fridge until needed. Pour the cooled rice mixture over the top and even out the top with the back of a spoon.

Place on a baking tray and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until just set, with a slight wobble in the centre. Leave the cake to cool completely then transfer to the fridge and chill until ready to serve.

Just before serving, prepare the apples. Core the apples, cut into wedges and toss with the sugar and cinnamon. Heat the butter in a non-stick frying pan and when foaming add the apples.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until then apples are golden brown but still hold their shape. Add the raisins and rum and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly. Turn the rice pudding cake out onto a serving plate or board. Cut into thick slices and serve with the warm apples.

Pineapple Cake with Passion Fruit & Caipirinha Drizzle

During a visit to a local street market in Rio I find a stall set up next to a local jazz band selling Caipirinhas, lots of them! The owner of this stall/bar is Luizinho and he's a local legend. He set up his stall in the mid 1990's when he was placed in charge of serving cocktails during a political campaign. This triggered invites to other events which eventually led to his own business. Nowadays he is at his happiest talking to his customers, listening to music and of course making cocktails.

His caipirinhas are made in the traditional way with lime, sugar and Cachaca (Brazilian rum) but also with tropical fresh fruit and berries which make them very drinkable indeed. Luizinho then gets me behind his bar to give me a lesson in caipirinha making. As I look around I begin to understand exactly why he has chose this as his profession, the sun is shining, people are smiling, chatting and dancing. And of course the cocktails are flowing, it's a street celebration!

And what better way to celebrate than with cake... I've based the flavours in this cake around the caipirinha cocktail and my favourite combination that I tasted that day which was Cachaca, pineapple and passion fruit. 

ENJOY!

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My Pineapple Cake with Passion Fruit & Caipirinha Drizzle

Ingredients

• 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored and sliced
• 175g caster sugar
• 125g plain flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 50g desiccated coconut
• 1 large egg
• 2 egg yolks
• 175g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
• 250ml whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the drizzle:

• 2 passion fruit
• 50g icing sugar
• 50ml cachaca
• Juice of 1 lime

Method

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius or 325 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and line a 23cm springform cake tin with baking parchment.

Place the pineapple slices and 50 grams of the sugar into a large non-stick frying pan and cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes until caramelised. Set aside to cool.

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl and stir in the desiccated coconut and the remaining sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, eggs, melted butter, milk and vanilla until smooth.

Stir the mixture into the dry ingredients to make a smooth batter. Transfer a few spoonfuls of the batter into a separate bowl. Mix the pineapple slices with the larger amount of batter and pour into the lined tin.

Give the tin a tap to knock out any air bubbles then pour the reserved batter over the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until set with a slight wobble in the centre.

Transfer to a wire rack, leave to cool slightly then prick the surface all over with a toothpick or small skewer.

Meanwhile, cut the passion fruit in half and spoon the flesh into a small food processor. Pulse a few times to break down the pulp and loosen the seeds then pour into a bowl with the remaining ingredients.

Stir until the sugar has dissolved then spoon over the cake. Leave the cake to cool completely then cut into wedges and serve.

Salt Cod Kedgeree Cake

I caught back up with my guide, Tereza who's promised me something special in Praia do Forte, Salvador, Brazil. The Souza Beach Hut is one of the most traditional spots on the beach. Set up in 1996, it's runs by Antonio Maurillo, and his famous snacks, Bolinho de Peixe or fish fritters are the talk about town. These are not your typical fritter, he uses a really authentic recipe of indigenous ingredients and all that I am allowed to know is that inside them there was shredded fish, coconut milk, green peppers and coriander.

For the recipe below I'll be keeping the fritter idea going but sticking with flavours more close to home.

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Ingredients

For the risotto cake:

• 100g salt cod
• 500ml hot chicken stock
• Olive oil
• 25g unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 150g Arborio rice
• Small bunch coriander, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Sea salt and black pepper
• 150g plain flour
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 150g dry white breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for deep frying

For the pea purée:

• 250g frozen peas
• 50g mashed potato (for substance to the pea purée)
• Knob of unsalted butter
• 50ml double cream
• Small bunch mint leaves
• 4 medium eggs, to serve
• Dash white wine vinegar, to serve

 

Method

Rinse the salt cod under running water for 10 minutes then place in a container and cover with cold water. Leave to soak overnight, changing the water 2 to 3 times throughout the soaking.

The next day, drain the cod, place it in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil then remove from the heat and drain thoroughly. When cool enough to handle, flake the cod into small pieces and set aside. Heat the olive oil and butter in a wide, heavy based saucepan until the butter is foaming. Add the onion along with a pinch of salt some black pepper and cook gently for 5 minutes until softened. Add the rice to the pan and fry for 5 minutes until the rice starts to turn translucent and smells slightly nutty. Add the spices and fry for a further minute until fragrant. Add a ladleful of the stock to the rice and keep stirring until the liquid is almost absorbed. Continue adding the stock in this way, stirring constantly until all of the stock has all been incorporated, this will take around 20 to 25 minutes. The rice should be soft but still have a little bite in the centre. Stir through the flaked cod, chopped coriander and lemon zest and season to taste.

Leave to cool completely then divide into four balls, flatten into cakes and lay on a plate lined with greaseproof paper. Refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm. Toss each risotto cake in flour, then in beaten egg, then in breadcrumbs. Repeat with a further coating of beaten egg and breadcrumbs. Heat the oil for deep frying to 160 degrees Celsius to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the risotto cakes and fry for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown (you may have to do this in batches). Drain thoroughly on kitchen paper and season with sea salt.

Meanwhile make the pea purée. Put the peas into a liquidiser and pour in just enough boiling water to cover. Blitz until smooth, add the remaining ingredients and blitz again. Season to taste then transfer to a pan to keep warm.

Bring a saucepan of water to a gentle simmer and add the vinegar. Crack the eggs into the pan and poach gently for 4 to 5 minutes or until cooked to your liking. Remove from the pan and drain thoroughly.

Serve the risotto cakes on a bed of pea purée and top each with a poached egg.

My Coxinhas

I reconnected with Daniela Narciso in São Paulo and she really wanted me to try one of Brazil's most famous snacks... COXINHAS! 

Daniela takes me to a new and upcoming monthly 'Street Food Festival' and introduces me to Pricilla Moretto who owns a restaurant downtown called Tangerine but comes along monthly to promote her business, build relationships with other traders and make her beloved Coxinhas.

Traditionally made with chicken breasts and cream cheese then wrapped in a flour and a chicken stock pastry, breadcrumbed and then deep fried. These snacks can be found mainly in bars served quite wonderfully next to a cold beer. Fresh, they are one of the finest bar snacks ever created, old and chilled they can be bland and disappointing.

Sao Paulo's Street Food Festival

Pricilla's on the other hand are anything but disappointing, she has made them since she was a child and believes her recipe is worthy of any dish even though she is now a restaurant chef and owner. She can sell up too 500 a day and her success is down to frying them fresh and serving straight away. She doesn't just stick to Chicken either, Duck & Apricot, Ox Cheeks and Truffled Mushrooms are just some of the other stuffings she produces. She's says if its tasty and fresh then it works. 

She then invited me behind the stall and teaches me how to fill and mould into the famous 'Chicken Leg' shape that they're known for. As look up, I notice her queue keeps getting bigger and bigger. Brazilians love them and now that I have been taught how to make Coxinhas, I totally have the bug and I am have made my very own version.

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My Coxinhas

Ingredients

• 6 chicken thighs

• 2 tsp hot smoked paprika

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

• Olive oil

• Sea salt and black pepper

• 150g cream cheese

• 50g plain flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 100g dry white breadcrumbs

• Vegetable oil for deep frying

For the pastry:

• 500ml chicken stock

• 250g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

• 2 tbsp of unsalted butter

For the salad:

• Half a cucumber, peeled, deseeded and finely diced

• 1 banana shallot, peeled and finely chopped

• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped

• Small bunch basil, leaves shredded

• Small bunch mint, leaves shredded

• Juice of 1 to 2 limes

Method

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the chicken thighs in a bowl with the paprika, garlic, a drizzle of olive oil and some salt and pepper and toss to coat.

Tip the chicken into a roasting tin, cover with foil and roast for 45 minutes. Remove the skins and shred the meat into a bowl. Mix with the cream cheese and season to taste.

For the pastry, bring the stock and butter to the boil in a large saucepan, season and gradually whisk in the flour. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture comes together to form a stiff dough.

Transfer to a bowl, cover with clingfilm and chill for one hour. To shape the Coxinhas, dust your hands with flour, take a golf ball-sized piece of dough and roll into a smooth ball. Use your thumb to hollow out the centre then add a tablespoonful of the chicken filling.

Press the dough closed around the filling then pinch and roll the top to make a chicken drumstick shape. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Toss each Coxinha in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs and lay on a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm. Heat the oil for deep frying to 160 degrees Celsius or 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fry the Coxinhas in batches for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown then drain on kitchen paper. Season with sea salt whilst still warm.

Meanwhile, combine the salad ingredients in a bowl and season to taste. Serve the warm Coxinhas with the salad.

Perfect Pork and Beans

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon lard
• 500g leftover roast pork belly, cut into large chunks (around 6 centimetres by 3 centimetres)
• 200g thick cut smoked bacon lardons
• 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic crushed
• 2 tins pink kidney beans, drained
• 500ml chicken stock
• 100g manioc (cassava) flour
• Knob unsalted butter
• 5 eggs, beaten
• Small bunch flat leaf parsley, chopped
• Sea salt and black pepper

FOR THE GARNISH:

• Left over crackling, broken into small pieces
• Bunch spring onions, finely sliced
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• Hot pepper sauce

METHOD

Heat the lard in a large, heavy-based pan. Add the pieces of pork and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until caramelised. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate. Add the lardons to the pan, fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden then remove from the pan with a slotted spoon. Add the onions and garlic to the pan, fry for 5 minutes until soft then add the beans. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through then add the chicken stock, pork and bacon and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes until the beans are soft then gradually shake in the flour, stirring continuously until thickened.

Remove from the heat and leave to rest for a couple of minutes. Meanwhile, heat the butter in a heavy-based pan. Add the eggs and cook gently, stirring constantly until scrambled and just starting to set. Stir the eggs through the pork mixture, add the parsley and season to taste. Top with the pork crackling, spring onions and red chilli and serve with hot pepper sauce.

Brazilian Pies

During my time in the capital of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. 

Minas Gerais has one of the most rural countrysides in Brazil with many farms and plantations but it's the richness of it's interior thats translates into hearty and nutritious foods that locals enjoy in their homes and even better on the streets. I met up with chef Leonardo Paixao, Leonardo is a serious foodie and passionate chef. At just 7 years olds he started cooking with his grandfather and by the time he was 12 he was serving up culinary delights at family gatherings. Despite graduating from medical school, his food obsession won out and he now owns a successful restaurant, but is still very passionate about food served on the streets. He loves the rich history of the food here and how the land dictates it. Leo tells me that he is going to take me to try the best empadas, which is Brazilian for PIES and for me it doesn't get better! Plus it's the dish I am best known for (as some of you might already know ;)

But please don't confuse empada with an empanada. 

I met a brother and sister duo named Sheila and Humberto Abreu. They've been running their family empada stall for more than 25 years. Their stalls are the most recognised in Belo Horizonte and move to a different part of the city daily plus they also have four shops. That alone is proof that they must be doing something right. I tried three different versions of empada; chicken, cheese and prawn (which is their best seller). They were lovely, little parcels of tastiness, just perfect if you ask me! 

It was great to meet someone who makes pies with as much passion as I do and his flavours have inspired me to make my own pie with a Brazilian twist. I'm using a filling based on xim-xim, a popular Afro-Brazilian stew made of chicken and peanuts. 

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My Brazilian Pies 

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE PASTRY:

• 700g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 100g cold lard, cubed, plus extra for greasing
• 150ml cold water
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg whites
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

FOR THE FILLING:

• 4 chicken thighs, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• Juice of 1 lime
• Olive oil
• 2 onions, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 bunch spring onions, finely chopped
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• Thumb sized piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 cups dried shrimps, ground in a food processor
• 1 cup ground roast peanuts
• 2 teaspoons tomato purée
• 250ml hot chicken stock
• 50g creamed coconut, grated
• Small bunch fresh coriander, chopped

METHOD

First make the pastry dough. Rub the flour, salt and lard together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs then make a well in the centre. Whisk together the water, egg, egg white and vinegar. Pour into the well and gradually mix together with a fork. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Wrap in clingfilm and set aside to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile make the filling. Combine the chicken thighs, garlic and lime juice in a bowl, cover in clingfilm and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large, heavy-based pan and add the onions. Fry for 5 minutes until soft, then add the chicken pieces and fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the spring onions, chilli, ginger and turmeric and fry for a further 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the dried shrimps, peanuts and tomato purée, fry for a minute then add the chicken stock. Bring to the boil then simmer for 20 minutes until then chicken is tender. Add the creamed coconut and cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from the heat, stir through the coriander and leave to cool.

Grease two 8 holes muffin tins with a little lard. Pinch off a small ball of pastry and press into the bottom of the tin to form a base. Repeat to make 16 bases then divide the cooled chicken mixture between them. Pinch off a piece of the remaining dough, flatten into a rough circle and press on top of the filling to form a lid. Use a round pastry cutter to trim the edges then repeat with the remaining pastry.

Whisk together the egg yolks and oil and glaze the tops of the pies. Transfer to the fridge to rest for 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Glaze the pies with a little more of the egg yolk and oil mixture then bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Rump Steak with Bean Mash & Hazelnut Salsa Verde

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Ingredients

• 2 rump steaks, around 250g each

For the salsa verde:

• 75g roasted hazelnuts
• 1 bunch flat leaf parsley
• 1 bunch mint
• 1 bunch basil
• 4 anchovy fillets, drained
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt and black pepper

For the bean mash:

• 2 x 400g can of cannelloni beans
• 50g unsalted butter
• 200ml double cream
• Sea salt and white pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lay the nuts on a baking tray and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking occasionally. Set aside to cool.

Blitz the remaining ingredients in a food processor until smooth, adding more oil to loosen if necessary. Roughly chop the nuts (do not add to the food processor) and add to the salsa, season to taste and set aside.

Drain the beans and heat in a saucepan with the butter and cream for 5 minutes until the beans are soft. Pour into a food processor and blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and white pepper then return to the pan and keep warm until needed.

Heat a barbecue or griddle pan to a high heat. Season the steaks with plenty of salt and pepper then cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

Transfer to a board to rest for 5 minutes, slice thinly then pour the resting juices into the salsa verde. Serve the steak with the bean mash and salsa verde.

Bean Fritters with Prawn and Mango Ceviche

My search for Brazil's best street food has brought me to it's first ever capital: Salvador de Bahia! 

Claudia's acaraje.

Salvador de Bahia is a city steeped in history and known as one the most spiritual places in Brazil being home to 365 Catholic churches, one for each day of the year. It's also one of the most significant locations for Candomble, a polytheistic religion. Candomble came to Brazil with the arrival of African slaves, and it's a popular religion in Salvador. Specific street foods go hand in hand with the faith as believers think it establishes a connection with the Candomble Gods, known as Orishas. This is so interesting and never thought I would find a religion linked to street food culture. William, my guide in Salvador took me to try acaraje, which is thought to be the oldest street food in Brazil from Claudia. Claudia is famous in these parts, the stall has been in her family for nearly 60 years and the square where she works from has been informally named after her grandmother, Dinha!

Claudia & I. 

So, what is acaraje? It is a bean fritter made of black-eyed peas fried in palm oil then filled with vatapa, a spicy paste made from shrimp, ground cashews, palm oil and a few other ingredients. It's then served with a salad called caruru, made out of green and red tomatoes, fried shrimps and homemade hot pepper sauce. 

William says that they are so popular that the whole of Salvador smells like palm oil because of it. 

Ararajes are a street snack so steeped in tradition, and I will stick with that principle for the fritter but giving the filling my very own fresh, modern twist. 

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INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CEVICHE:

• 250g raw tiger prawns, deveined
• 1 small red onion, peeled and finely chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 large mango, peeled, stoned and finely diced
• 1 to 2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 ripe tomato, deseeded and finely chopped
• Small bunch coriander, finely chopped
• Sea salt and black pepper

FOR THE FRITTERS:

• 2 tablespoons dried prawn
• 1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
• 2 x 400g cans black-eyed beans, drained
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• 3 to 4 tablespoons plain flour
• Vegetable oil for deep frying

FOR THE GARNISH:

• Hot pepper sauce
• Lime wedges

METHOD

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, add the prawns and blanch for 1 minute. Drain the prawns, roughly chop and combine with the remaining ingredients to make your ceviche. Season to taste and refrigerate until needed. Cover the dried shrimp in boiling water and leave to soak for 15 minutes until softened. Drain, then blitz in a food processor with the onion, garlic and chilli until finely chopped. Add the beans, blitz until smooth and season to taste.

Tip into a bowl and gradually add flour until the mixture forms a stiff dough. Dip two spoons in a little oil and shape the mixture into 10 to 12 rough oval shapes. Heat the oil for deep frying to 160°C and fry in batches for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Drain on kitchen paper and season with sea salt whilst still warm. Split the fritters open, stuff with the ceviche and serve with hot pepper sauce, lime wedges a cold beer.

Esfihas with Tuna Steak

Thirty years ago, Marco Maciel stepped onto the crowded beaches of Rio and introduced one of the oldest middle eastern snacks, the Esfihas. 

Today, after exposing this simple Middle-Eastern pleasure to an already enormous cultural center, Marco and his camel are still going strong. As competition loomed in the street food vendor ecosystem, Marco had to figure out a way to stand out.  Marco approached a Samba School where carnival floats are built and asked for help in the creation of a 6ft camel. The camel was given life, including specialised compartments for food and sauces, and is now the trademark that sets Mr. Maciel apart... making him Ipanema’s most colorful merchant!

And does it set him apart. His sales soar every day, providing some of the best and favourite Middle Eastern treats: the esfihas or pastry parcels, he can sell up to 1,000 a day!

Inspired by its exotic taste and the camel of course, I create my very own dough filled Middle Eastern creation.

Marco & I

Ipanema Beach

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My Esfihas with Tuna Steak 

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE DOUGH:

• 500g strong white strong flour, plus extra for dusting
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 7g sachet dried yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoon caster sugar
• 325ml lukewarm water
• 50g unsalted butter, softened
• Semolina flour for dusting
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

FOR THE FILLING:

• Olive oil
• 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• Pinch chilli flakes
• 2 tins peeled plum tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato purée
• 1 teaspoon caster sugar
• 75g pitted Niçoise olives, roughly chopped
• Small bunch basil, leaves chopped
• Sea salt and black pepper
• 12 anchovies
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 fresh tuna steaks, 175g each

METHOD

First make the dough. Tip the flour and salt into the bowl of a freestanding mixer with a dough hook fitted. Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a jug and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Set the motor running on a low speed and gradually pour the mixture into the flour. knead for 3 minutes then turn the speed up a setting and knead for a further 6 minutes. Once the dough is smooth and elastic, gradually add the soft butter and knead until incorporated. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and dust the top with flour. Cover with a clean tea towel or a sheet of clingfilm and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.

Remove the tea towel and punch the dough once to knock the air out. Divide the dough into 12 balls then cover with a clean tea towel and set aside for 1 hour until doubled in size. While the dough is rising, make the sauce. Heat a little olive oil in a heavy-based pan, add the shallots and garlic and fry for 5 minutes until soft. Add the chilli flakes, tomatoes, tomato purée, sugar and olives and bring to a simmer. Cook gently for 25 to 30 minutes until thickened. Stir through the basil and season to taste. Set aside to cool.

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Dust the work surface with semolina flour and roll the dough out into small rounds, about 1 centimetre thick. Using your fingertips, press and turn the centre of each dough ball to create a rim around the edge (it should resemble a small, deep sided pizza).

Lay on baking sheets and leave plenty of space between each one as they will rise during cooking. Spoon a little sauce into the centre of each disc of dough then top each with and anchovy and a little feta cheese. Mix together the egg yolks and oil and brush over the edges of the dough.

Brazilian Steak and Chips

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INGREDIENTS

• 4 fillet steaks

FOR THE MARINADE:

• 1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 green chilli, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 75ml cachaça
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Zest of 1 lime

FOR THE ROAST GARLIC BUTTER:

• 1 bulb garlic
• 150g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 anchovy fillets, drained and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated horseradish
• 1 bunch tarragon, leaved finely chopped

FOR THE SALSA:

• Olive oil
• 250 grams baby spinach, washed and dried
• 1 banana shallot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and finely diced
• 2 tomatoes, deseeded and finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• Pinch sugar
• Sea salt and black pepper

FOR THE CASSAVA CHIPS:

• 1 kilogram cassava
• Vegetable oil for deep frying

METHOD

Combine the ingredients for the marinade in a food processor and blitz until smooth. Pour over the steaks, toss to coat then cover with clingfilm and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours or overnight if possible.

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius or 325 Fahrenheit. Drizzle the bulb of garlic with a little olive oil, wrap in foil and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until soft.

Squeeze the flesh from the garlic bulb and mix with the butter, anchovies, horseradish and tarragon. Season to taste then spoon onto a sheet of clingfilm. Roll into a sausage shape, wrap tightly and refrigerate until needed.

For the salsa, heat a little olive oil in a large frying pan or wok, add the spinach and cook for 20 to 30 seconds until wilted. Add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine then remove from the heat. Season to taste and set aside.

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Peel the cassava, cut into chips then boil for 8 to 10 minutes until softened but still holding their shape. Drain thoroughly and leave to steam dry for a couple of minutes.

Heat a large, heavy based frying pan or griddle over a medium-high heat. Drizzle the steaks with a little oil and season with plenty of salt and pepper.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side (or until cooked to your liking) then transfer to a plate to rest for 5 minutes.

While the steaks are cooking heat the oil for deep frying to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the chips in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown then drain on kitchen paper. Season with sea salt whilst still warm.

Serve the steaks with the chips, spinach salsa and slices of the garlic butter.