Brazilian Rice and Beans with Sausage is a comforting and hearty dish, combining fluffy rice, tender beans, and flavorful sausage in a single meal. It’s a staple in many Brazilian households, providing a filling and delicious option for lunch or dinner. The dish is simple to make and can be prepared in one pot for easy cleanup. Follow this recipe to enjoy this traditional Brazilian comfort food!
Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)
- 1 cup of white rice
- 1 cup of cooked black or pinto beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 200 g (7 oz) of Brazilian sausage (linguiça) or any smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 cups of water (for cooking the rice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the rice: Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it in the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the water, add salt, pepper, paprika, and the bay leaf (if using), and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Add the beans and sausage: Once the rice is cooked, gently stir in the cooked beans and browned sausage. Mix everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve hot.
This Brazilian Rice and Beans with Sausage is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. Serve it with a side of salad or fried plantains for an even more traditional Brazilian experience. Enjoy!