Coconut-Stewed Black Beans with Brazilian Spices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Brazilian-inspired black bean stew simmered in rich coconut milk and aromatic spices, perfect as a comforting side or main dish. This Brazilian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 100 minutes, pairs dried black beans, water, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans thoroughly and soak in water overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften.
  2. Step 2: Drain soaked beans and place in a large pot with 4 cups fresh water and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 1 hour until beans are tender.
  3. Step 3: While beans cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cumin to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Once beans are tender, remove bay leaf and add the sautéed onion and spice mixture along with 1 cup coconut milk to the pot. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the stew thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut-Stewed Black Beans with Brazilian Spices take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (10 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coconut-Stewed Black Beans with Brazilian Spices?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dried black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut-Stewed Black Beans with Brazilian Spices?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut-Stewed Black Beans with Brazilian Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coconut-Stewed Black Beans with Brazilian Spices?

Brazilian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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