Slow-Cooked Black Beans with Brazilian Spices

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

Tender black beans simmered with smoky sausage, garlic, onions, and bay leaves, capturing the heart of Brazilian comfort food. This brazilian ready in about 135 minutes pairs dried black beans, grams andouille sausage, sliced, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans under cold water, then soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight to reduce cooking time.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 150 grams sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and crispy around the edges.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Drain the soaked black beans and add them to the pot along with 4 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid slightly ajar. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are tender and the broth has thickened.
  6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed, then serve warm with rice or as a side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Black Beans with Brazilian Spices take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked Black Beans with Brazilian Spices?

Brazilian brazilian 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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