Arroz de Feijão
Portuguese Bean Rice
A hearty and comforting Portuguese dish where tender red beans are simmered with rice, infused with the savory flavors of bacon and onion. Perfect for a satisfying everyday meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Dried red beans(Soaked overnight or use canned, drained and rinsed.)
- 300 g Arborio or medium-grain rice(Rinsed under cold water until the water runs clear.)
- 100 g Smoked bacon(Diced into small pieces.)
- 1 large Yellow onion(Finely chopped.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 liter Chicken or vegetable broth(Warmed.)
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(Chopped, for garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using dried beans, cook them according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly.
⏱️ Varies (if cooking dried beans) - 2
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it begins to crisp and render its fat, about 5-7 minutes. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant, about 5-8 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 3
Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir well to coat the grains with the bacon fat and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes until the edges of the grains appear slightly translucent.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Pour in the warmed broth, add the cooked (or canned) red beans, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer.
⏱️ 18-20 minutes - 5
Cook until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The consistency should be moist and slightly soupy, not dry. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
⏱️ 18-20 minutes - 6
Remove the bay leaf. Let the arroz de feijão rest, covered, off the heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. This dish is delicious on its own or as a side.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a good quality smoked bacon or add a piece of chouriço while sautéing the onions.
- ✓The desired consistency is moist and slightly soupy, not a dry pilaf. Adjust broth if needed.
- ✓This is classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy meal.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use different types of beans like white beans or black beans.
- Add diced chouriço or linguiça for extra spice and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth, sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil.
- Increase the amount of broth for a more 'soupy' rice dish, typical in some regions of Portugal.