Description
This hearty Brazilian Black Bean Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender black beans simmered with aromatic spices and vegetables, finished with toasted cassava flour for a unique texture and a fresh touch of lime and cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans, soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup toasted cassava flour
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Beans: Rinse and drain the soaked black beans thoroughly to remove any residual soaking water.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes to soften and release their flavors.
- Season: Stir in cumin, paprika, and salt, cooking for an additional minute to toast the spices and enhance aroma.
- Add Beans and Broth: Add the rinsed black beans, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the stew gently for about 1 hour or until the black beans are tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate Cassava Flour: Stir in the toasted cassava flour until fully combined, then cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the black beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water and adjust seasoning to taste if preferred.
- Use freshly toasted cassava flour for the best flavor and texture.
- This stew pairs excellently with rice or crusty bread.
- To make it spicier, add chopped fresh chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper during seasoning.
