Baião de Dois: A Hearty Taste of Brazil
Baião de Dois is a classic dish from Northeast Brazil that brings together the comforting flavors of rice and beans with a twist—incorporating savory carne seca and the unique texture of queijo coalho. Perfect for a family meal, this recipe captures the essence of Brazilian culinary heritage while delivering a hearty and satisfying dish.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
- 300 grams salted dried beef (carne seca), soaked overnight, rinsed, and cut into cubes
- 200 grams coalho cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup dried beans (e.g., carioca beans), soaked overnight and cooked until tender (or about 2–3 cups cooked beans)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2–3 cups water or broth (beef or chicken)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Carne Seca:
Soak the carne seca overnight to remove excess salt. Rinse thoroughly, cut into cubes, and boil until tender. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the Beans:
Soak your dried beans overnight and cook them until tender, or use pre-cooked beans equivalent to about 2–3 cups. -
Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy and its fat is rendered. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes soft and translucent. -
Combine Meats and Rice:
Add the prepared carne seca to the pot and stir for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Then, mix in the uncooked rice, allowing it to lightly toast with the bacon, onion, and garlic for 1–2 minutes. -
Simmer:
Pour in the water or broth, ensuring the mixture is well-covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Add Cheese and Herbs:
In the final minutes of cooking, gently fold in the cubed queijo coalho and chopped cilantro. Allow the cheese to warm through without completely melting, preserving its texture. -
Season and Serve:
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your Baião de Dois hot and enjoy the rich, layered flavors that make this dish a true Brazilian classic.
Try this authentic Baião de Dois Recipe Today!
Here are the ingredients for your Baião de Dois: