Baião de Dois (Rice and Beans with Cheese)

Ingredients

• 3 cups Cooked rice
• 2 cups Cooked beans (pinto or black-eyed peas)
• 1 cup Plant-based cheese alternative (cheddar or mozzarella style), cubed
• 4 slices Bacon, chopped
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup Green onions, chopped
• 0.25 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Place a large skillet (at least 10-12 inches in diameter) over medium heat (300-325°F / 150-160°C). Add the 4 slices of chopped bacon to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet; set the bacon aside.
2. 2With the skillet still over medium heat (300-325°F / 150-160°C), add the 1 tbsp of olive oil and the 1 medium chopped onion to the reserved bacon fat. Sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and become translucent. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
3. 3Add the 3 cups of cooked rice, 2 cups of cooked beans (pinto or black-eyed peas), and 1 cup of cubed plant-based cheese alternative (cheddar or mozzarella style) to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir all ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or spatula to combine them evenly.
4. 4Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat (300-325°F / 150-160°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The dish is ready when it is heated through and the plant-based cheese alternative has softened and melted slightly.
5. 5Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 0.25 cup of chopped green onions, 0.25 cup of chopped cilantro, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 0.25 tsp of black pepper. Transfer the Baião de Dois to serving plates and top each portion with the reserved crispy bacon; serve hot.

Substitutions

Related Guides