Baião-de-dois is a dish from Brazil made with pan-fried onions and bacon, white rice, and black-eyed peas. This dish is simple and versatile and can be enjoyed any time of day. It is a great choice for a low-budget meal that does not sacrifice flavor.
If you have ever tried to make red beans and rice, a dish popular throughout many Central American countries, then the preparation of the Brazilian Baião-de-dois will not be vastly different. However, the dish’s incorporation of black-eyes-peas instead of red beans is a testament to its unique history and taste.
This dish goes well alongside grilled meat and is easy to make in great batches for parties or meal preparation. It can also be served as a meal by itself.
Origin & Cultural Significance
Baião-de-dois comes from the Northern part of Brazil, originating in the state of Ceará. The name of the dish means a baião dance for two,” named for a song that became associated with the dish at the time of its creation.
The dish’s few ingredients and simplicity unlock the origin of its creation. When the people of Ceará were faced with times of drought and scarcity, they found a way to combine kitchen staples and leftovers to create a healthy and filling dish. Over time, the recipe has adapted to new cooking conditions throughout Brazil and through new generations.
Brazilian Baião-de-dois Recipe
Baião-de-dois is a dish from Brazil made with pan-fried onions and bacon, white rice, and black-eyed peas.
Ingredients
- Black-eyed peas (fresh or frozen) - 16 oz. (about 8 cups)
- Vegetable Oil - 2 tbsp
- Bacon, chopped – ½ cup, 8 pieces
- White onion, chopped - 1
- Garlic, minced - 4 cloves
- Cilantro, chopped- ½ cup
- Cilantro, chopped - 1 tsp
- Rice, prepared - 2 cups
- Stock, chicken or vegetable - 1 ½ cup
- MAGGI® Seasoning and Bean Flavor - 2 envelopes
- Salt - 1 tsp
- Mozzarella - 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare your black eyes peas according to the directions on the package.
- Prepare your bacon by sauteing it in a skillet until brown, about 4-5 minutes. Chop into small pieces.
- In a medium or large pan, heat your vegetable oil or reuse bacon grease. Add garlic and onion, and sautee until aromatic.
- Add in chopped bacon, rice, and cilantro, sauteing for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add in prepared beans, stock, MAGGI seasoning packets, and salt.
- Put heat to low and cover the pan.
- Cook on low for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked through and fluffy.
- Cut mozzarella into small, 1 cm cubes while the dish is simmering. Once it is ready to serve, turn off the heat and add chopped mozzarella to the pan. The heat in the rice should melt the mozzarella into the Baião-de-dois.
- Serve while hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 358Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 757mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 8gSugar: 5gProtein: 18g