Easy Baião de Dois Recipe – A Flavorful One-Pot Brazilian Meal
Brazilian Baião de Dois
Today on the Takrecipe website, we bring you a taste of Brazil with Baião de Dois, a flavorful and satisfying dish that blends rice, beans, and cheese into one delicious meal. Originally from the northeastern region of Brazil, this dish is a staple of local cuisine and has variations across the country. Baião de Dois is a perfect comfort food, often accompanied by grilled meats, fried plantains, and a side of farofa. Its creamy texture and bold flavors make it a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, home-cooked meals.
Ingredients (Serves 4 people)
- 1 cup of white rice
- 1 cup of black-eyed peas (or brown beans)
- 150g of coalho cheese (or halloumi, as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup of diced bacon
- 1/2 cup of smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups of water or broth (for cooking the rice)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
Prepare the Beans:
If using dried black-eyed peas, soak them overnight in water. Drain and rinse before cooking. Cook the beans in a pot with enough water until tender (approximately 30 minutes in a pressure cooker or 1 hour in a regular pot). Drain any excess water and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the bacon and smoked sausage, and cook until crispy and golden brown. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.
Cook the Rice:
Add the diced tomato, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pan, stirring well. Pour in the rice and mix thoroughly so it absorbs the flavors. Add the water or broth and let the rice cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
Combine the Ingredients:
Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the cooked beans. Stir to distribute evenly. Dice the coalho cheese into small cubes and mix it into the dish. Allow it to melt slightly.
Final Touches:
Sprinkle the chopped green onions and cilantro over the dish. Stir gently and let everything cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve hot, optionally with grilled meats, fried plantains, or a side of farofa.
Tips:
Use a Good Cheese Substitute
🟢If you can’t find coalho cheese, halloumi or queso panela are excellent alternatives as they have a similar texture and saltiness.
Add a Smoky Flavor
🟢Using smoked sausage or smoked bacon enhances the flavor, giving the dish a rich, deep taste.
Let It Rest Before Serving
🟢Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking so the flavors can meld together perfectly.