- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 400 kcal
Quick summary
“Learn how to prepare soft and flavorful carioca beans at home. This recipe is practical and delicious.”
What you need to know
- Easy to prepare and customizable with different side dishes.
- Helps in healthy eating by combining with rice and proteins.
- Reduces preparation time compared to cooking beans on the stove.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups of carioca beans
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Principal
- Place the beans in a bowl and cover with water. Let it soak for 4 hours.
- Drain the beans and place in the pressure cooker with 4 cups of water. Add the bay leaf.
- Close the pot and bring to high heat. When it starts to whistle, reduce the heat and cook for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat the oil and sauté the onion until transparent.
- Add the garlic and sauté until lightly browned.
- After 25 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
- Open the pressure cooker and check if the beans are soft. If necessary, cook a little more.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the beans, season with salt and mix well.
- Cook for another 5 minutes over low heat to incorporate the flavors.
- Serve hot, accompanied by rice and a protein of your choice.
Chef's tips
- Make sure to cook the soaked beans for at least 4 hours so they are softer.
- Sauté the onion and garlic separately to ensure it doesn't have a strong taste.
- For a healthier version, use olive oil instead of oil.
Variations
- For a savory variant, add seasonings like black pepper or cilantro.
- For a milder version, do not add garlic to the beans.
- For a more nutritious version, add greens to the beans at the end of cooking.
Substitutions
- Replace garlic with green onions when sautéing for a milder flavor.
- Use black beans or white beans as substitutes.
- Using coconut water instead of water adds extra flavor.
How to store
Cooking soaked beans is the most effective way to store beans. It maintains its consistency and flavor for at least 3 months.
Can it be frozen?
Freezing cooked carioca beans is not recommended. Cooking can alter the consistency of the beans.
What to serve with
Cook the beans with rice or pasta. It can be accompanied by a plate of green leaf salad for a healthy snack.
Frequently asked questions
How can I add more flavor to the beans?
Add seasonings like black pepper, cilantro, or fennel to the beans during cooking.
Can cooked beans be kept longer?
Yes, cooked beans can be stored in a can or airtight container for up to 3 months.
What to do if the beans take too long to cook?
Make sure to cook the soaked beans for at least 4 hours before cooking. Make sure to use enough water and don't forget to check the consistency of the beans at the end of cooking.
How can I thaw the beans?
Let the beans adjust to the freezer for 15 minutes before defrosting in the microwave or in hot water.
