How to Make Beans: The Complete Guide

Beans are one of the most consumed foods in Brazil, being a constant presence on tables from north to south of the country.

Rich in proteins, iron, fiber and other nutrients, it is the ideal partner for rice, forming the basis of the diet of millions of people.

If you want to learn how to prepare beans in a simple and efficient way, you're in the right place.

We will explain, step by step, how to cook the perfect beans, from choosing the grain to finishing the dish.

Choosing the Right Beans

There are different types of beans in Brazil, and each one brings unique characteristics to the dish. The most common are:

• Pinto beans: The most popular in the country, light brown in color with darker stripes.
• Black beans: Widely consumed in the south and southeast, being the typical bean used in feijoada.
• White beans: Used in dishes such as white feijoada or salads.
• Green beans: Most commonly found in the northeast, generally consumed fresh.

Choosing the type of beans depends on personal taste and the dish you want to prepare. Each variety offers different textures and flavors.

Step 1: The Importance of Soaking

The first step in preparing beans is to soak them. This helps reduce cooking time and makes them easier to digest by eliminating substances that can cause intestinal discomfort.

Ideally, you should leave the beans to soak for at least 8 hours, or overnight.

• How to make the soak: Place the beans in a large bowl and add enough water to cover all of the beans. Remember that the beans will swell during soaking, so add enough water. After soaking, discard the soaking water and rinse the beans before cooking.

Step 2: Cooking the Beans

After soaking, the beans are ready to be cooked. The most traditional and efficient way is to use a pressure cooker, as it significantly reduces cooking time.

• Basic ingredients:
  • 2 cups of beans (already soaked)
  • Enough water to cover the grains
  • 1 bay leaf (optional, but enhances the flavor)
  • Salt to taste (usually added at the end)
• Preparation method:
  1. Place the soaked beans in the pressure cooker.
  2. Add water until the beans are covered, leaving about 3 fingers of water above the level of the beans.
  3. Add bay leaf, if desired, to give the broth a more aromatic flavor.
  4. Cover the pressure cooker and place over medium heat.
  5. When the pan starts to sizzle, lower the heat and cook for 20 to 30 minutes. The time may vary depending on the type of beans and your pan.

After the cooking time, turn off the heat and wait for the pressure to release completely before opening the pan.

Step 3: Seasoning the Beans

Now that the beans are cooked, it's time to season them. This will ensure an irresistible flavor to the dish.

• Ingredients for the seasoning:
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of oil or olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped chives (optional)
• Preparation method:
  1. In a frying pan, heat the oil and sauté the garlic and onion until golden.
  2. Add a ladle of beans with broth to the pan and mix well so that the seasonings are incorporated into the broth.
  3. Then transfer this mixture back to the pot of beans and stir everything carefully.
  4. Season with salt, pepper and parsley according to your taste.

If you want a thicker broth, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or use a potato masher.

Step 4: Finishing the Dish

With the beans cooked and seasoned, you can choose how to serve them.

Traditional beans go very well with white rice, but can also be served as part of a bean salad or as a side dish for meat.

Additionally, beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. An important tip is to freeze individual portions to make them easier to eat throughout the week.

Simply store the beans in jars or plastic bags suitable for freezing.

Extra Tips

• Vary the seasoning: Adding bacon, sausage or dried meat to the stew gives the beans an even more special flavor.
• Use fresh herbs: In addition to chives, you can try seasoning the beans with thyme, rosemary or basil.
• Adapt the broth: If the beans are too thick, add a little more water. If they are too thin, let them cook a little longer with the pan uncovered so that the water evaporates.

Conclusion

Making beans is an art that improves over time. With these simple tips and a little practice, you will be able to prepare delicious beans, whether for everyday use or special occasions.

That classic dish is versatile, nutritious and a true symbol of Brazilian cuisine. Now, just get your hands dirty and enjoy the result!