Description
A comforting Brazilian classic featuring creamy pinto beans simmered with spices and fluffy garlic rice. This hearty dish can be made on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pinto beans (dry)
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for beans)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika (or regular)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp chili peppers (optional)
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for rice)
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Soak the pinto beans in cold water for at least 3 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse.
- Add beans to a large pot, cover with 2 inches of water, add bay leaves, and cook over medium-high heat for about 60 minutes until tender. For Instant Pot, cook on high pressure (Bean setting) for 45 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili peppers until onions are translucent.
- Remove 1/3 of the cooked beans (without liquid), mash them, and mix into the sautéed onion mixture.
- Return the mashed mixture to the pot of beans, stir well, and simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes. For Instant Pot, use the simmer function for 30 minutes.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Add water and salt, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until water is absorbed and rice is tender. For Instant Pot, cook on the Rice setting for 12 minutes.
- Let rice rest covered for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Serve rice topped with beans and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Skip soaking if using canned beans; reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Mashing part of the beans creates a naturally creamy texture without added dairy.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting chili peppers.
- Serve with green onions or farofa for a traditional touch.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 85 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
