Brazilian recipe
Black beans with bacon and cumin (Feijão preto com bacon e cominho)
These black beans seasoned with smoky bacon and a hint of cumin are a comforting classic from Brazilian cuisine, perfectly balancing rich, earthy flavors with an easy cooking method.
0.0 / 5 by 0 Reviews
Ingredients
1 cup black beans
6 cups water (divided for soaking and cooking)
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup bacon, diced
1/2 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
6 cups water (divided for soaking and cooking)
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup bacon, diced
1/2 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find black beans, fresh garlic, and onions at local markets such as Wuse Market or neighborhood grocery stores. Use dry-cured bacon found in the meat section of major supermarkets. If cumin is not available, a blend of coriander and caraway seeds can act as a substitute, though ground cumin is ideal for this recipe.
Preparation method
- Rinse the beans under cold running water in a colander.
- Sort through the beans to remove any debris or damaged grains.
- Place the beans in a bowl and add 3 cups of water.
- Discard any beans that float to the surface.
- Cover the bowl and let the beans soak for 12 hours.
- Change the soaking water at least once during this period.
- Drain the beans and discard the soaking water.
- Place the beans in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of fresh water and the bay leaf.
- Seal the pressure cooker and place it over high heat.
- Wait until the pressure cooker reaches full pressure.
- Reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the oil and the bacon.
- Sauté for 2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add the onion and a pinch of salt.
- Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and the cumin.
- Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add a ladle of the cooked beans with some broth into the saucepan.
- Mash the beans with a spatula to form a paste that will thicken the sauce.
- Pour in the remaining cooked beans and broth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 10 minutes or until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve hot.
Observations
The secret to achieving the perfect texture lies in soaking the beans, which aids digestion and significantly reduces cooking time. By sautéing the aromatics with bacon and ground cumin, you create a depth of flavor that produces a thick, savory broth that is truly satisfying.
Ratings and comments