How to make Baião de dois - Brazilian rice and beans

black-eyed peas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are high in protein and cheaper than dried black-eyed peas.

diced bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork lard

Turkey bacon reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

dried meat

🥗Healthier: smoked tofu

💰Cheaper: cooked chicken

Smoked tofu provides a similar texture with less fat.

Cook the overnight soaked black-eyed peas in water until tender, about 30 minutes.

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

Add diced bacon and chorizo or calabrese sausage; cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in chopped onion, garlic, green chili, and red chili; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Add cooked black-eyed peas to the pot; mix well.

Pour in enough water to cover the mixture, then add bay leaves and season with salt and black pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover; simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked.

Stir in chopped coriander and spring onions just before serving.

Serve hot, topped with Halloumi cheese and clotted cream if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: