Portuguese Bean & Rice Delight
Experience the rich flavors of traditional Portuguese cuisine with this hearty dish that marries tender beans with savory chorizo and smoky bacon. Soaked overnight, the beans become soft and creamy, perfectly complementing the short grain brown rice that soaks up all the aromatic goodness of sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. This vibrant one-pot meal is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a wholesome, comforting experience that is sure to delight the entire family. Perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner, it's an excellent way to explore the essence of Portuguese cooking!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried white beans
12 ounces (soaked overnight and drained)
chorizo sausage
4 ounces (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
short grain brown rice
8 ounces (washed and cooked)
bacon
3 ounces (chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (for sautéing)
ripe tomatoes
2 (seeds removed and diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (optional)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dried white beans in cold water overnight, allowing them to plump up for at least 6 hours. After soaking, drain the beans and transfer them to a large pot.
2
Cover the beans with cold, lightly salted water, then add the chopped chorizo sausage. Cover the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the beans are tender but not mushy.
3
While the beans are simmering, rinse the short grain brown rice and cook it in a separate pot with lightly salted water. Once the rice reaches al dente, drain it and set aside.
4
In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bacon pieces, cooking until they are golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Remove the seeds from the ripe tomatoes and dice them. Add the diced tomatoes to the sauté pan and continue to cook until the mixture is softened, stirring occasionally.
6
Incorporate the bay leaf, minced parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly cracked pepper into the pan. Stir well and cook until the onions are translucent and the flavors meld together, about 4-5 minutes.
7
Once the beans are cooked, drain any excess liquid and add them along with the chorizo to the sauté pan with the onion and tomato mixture. Stir to combine.
8
Gently fold the precooked rice into the mixture, allowing it to absorb all the rich flavors for an additional 2-3 minutes.
9
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Dish out the Portuguese Bean & Rice Delight into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portuguese Bean & Rice Delight?
It is a hearty traditional Portuguese-style dish that combines tender white beans, savory chorizo, smoky bacon, and short grain brown rice with aromatic vegetables.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of dried white beans.
Do the beans need to be soaked beforehand?
Yes, the dried white beans should be soaked in cold water overnight or for at least 6 hours to ensure they plump up and soften.
What kind of rice is best for this dish?
Short grain brown rice is recommended because it soaks up the aromatic flavors while maintaining a pleasant texture.
How much chorizo is required?
You will need 4 ounces of chorizo sausage, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Is bacon included in Portuguese Bean & Rice Delight?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 ounces of chopped bacon to add a smoky depth of flavor.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
Use two ripe tomatoes, remove the seeds, and dice them before adding them to the sauté pan.
What aromatic vegetables are used?
The recipe features one chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, though this is optional.
How long should the beans simmer?
After soaking, the beans should simmer for about an hour or until they are tender but not mushy.
Should I cook the rice separately?
Yes, the rice should be rinsed and cooked in a separate pot with lightly salted water until it is al dente.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the onion, garlic, and bacon.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons minced) and one whole bay leaf are used for seasoning.
When should I remove the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be removed from the pan immediately before serving the dish.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While the beans and rice are initially cooked in separate pots, the final dish is combined in a single large sauté pan.
Can I use canned beans instead?
While the recipe specifies dried beans for the best texture, canned white beans can be used to save time, though you would skip the overnight soaking and long simmering steps.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients including spices and oil.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor is savory and smoky with aromatic notes from garlic and onion, complemented by the freshness of ripe tomatoes and parsley.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and nourishing, featuring high-fiber beans and brown rice along with fresh vegetables.
How should the onions be cooked?
The chopped onions should be sautéed with garlic and bacon until they are golden and translucent.
What is the purpose of rinsing the rice?
Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, ensuring it remains al dente and doesn't become too sticky.
Can I substitute white rice for brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice is preferred for its nutritional value and its ability to better absorb the dish's rich flavors.
How long do I cook the mixture after adding the rice?
After folding in the rice, let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
What is a good garnish for this dish?
Extra minced fresh parsley is an excellent garnish for this meal.
Can I omit the bacon or chorizo?
Yes, for a vegetarian version, you can omit the meats, though the flavor profile will change significantly.
Is the dish suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and wholesome experience sure to delight the entire family.
Should the chorizo be cooked with the beans?
Yes, the chopped chorizo is added to the pot with the beans while they simmer to infuse them with flavor.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Portuguese, beans, rice, chorizo, comfort food, hearty meal, and one-pot dish.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, like many bean and rice dishes, the flavors often improve after sitting, making it great for leftovers.