Creamy Rice and Beans with Cured Sausage and Melted Cheese
A soul-warming dish from northeastern Brazil where rice and beans are cooked together into a rich, creamy one-pot meal. Sliced cured sausage adds smoky depth while melted cheese draped over the top makes every bite indulgent. Simple ingredients, extraordinary comfort food.
🛒 Ingredients
6 servings
- 500 g dried green beans (or pinto beans)
- 1 cured sausage (linguiça or chorizo), sliced into rounds
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 onion, grated
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 1/2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
- 150 g halloumi or mild mozzarella, thinly sliced
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Directions
- 1
Soak the beans overnight in plenty of cold water for at least 12 hours.
- 2
The next day, drain the beans and cook them with the bouillon cubes in 2.5 liters of fresh cold water. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 1 hour until completely tender.
- 3
In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Brown the sausage slices, then add the grated onion and crushed garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- 4
Stir in the cilantro and rice, sautéing for 2 minutes to coat the grains well.
- 5
Pour in the cooked beans along with all their broth. Stir well, cover, and cook over medium-low heat until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture is moist and creamy.
- 6
Lay the cheese slices over the hot rice, cover the pan, and let the steam melt the cheese for 3–4 minutes.
- 7
Serve immediately alongside grilled meat or a fresh green salad.
💡 Chef's Tip
For an even creamier texture, mash a few beans with a fork before adding the rice. Halloumi is a great substitute for traditional Brazilian coalho cheese — it softens beautifully under the steam without fully melting away.
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