Brazilian Black Bean Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Brazilian cuisine is a vibrant celebration of flavors, colors, and textures, and at the heart of many traditional dishes lies the humble black bean. This Brazilian black bean recipe vegan style brings a rich, hearty, and nutritious meal that is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy authentic tastes without animal products.

The slow-cooked beans meld beautifully with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, creating a dish that’s comforting, filling, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with rice, greens, or even vegan sausages.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, share some insider tips to get it just right, and offer variations to suit your taste buds. Ready to bring a little bit of Brazil to your table?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Brazilian black bean recipe is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition, combining simplicity with authenticity. It’s naturally gluten-free, rich in protein and fiber, and has a deep, smoky taste that satisfies cravings without any meat.

The recipe uses staple ingredients you can find easily, making it accessible and budget-friendly.

Additionally, the slow simmering process allows the beans to absorb all the aromatic spices, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s perfect for meal prep since flavors deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully.

Whether you want a comforting dinner or a dish to impress your plant-based friends, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black beans (soaked overnight or quick-soaked)
• 4 cups water (for cooking beans)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice
• Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
• 1 teaspoon agave syrup or brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Equipment

• Large bowl (for soaking beans)
• Large pot or Dutch oven (for cooking beans)
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander or sieve (to drain beans)
• Stovetop or slow cooker

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: Rinse the dried black beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water by a few inches. Soak overnight or use the quick-soak method by boiling beans for 2 minutes, then removing from heat and letting them sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Cook the beans: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the soaked beans and 4 cups of fresh water. Add the bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 60-90 minutes or until beans are tender but not falling apart. Skim any foam from the surface occasionally.
3. Prepare the sofrito: While beans cook, heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Add spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and oregano. Cook for another minute to release their aromas, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
5. Combine and simmer: Once the beans are cooked, drain them slightly but reserve some cooking liquid. Add the sofrito to the beans along with ½ cup of the reserved liquid to create a flavorful broth. Stir well.
6. Season: Add salt, black pepper, and agave syrup or brown sugar if desired. Simmer everything together on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture looks too thick, add more reserved bean liquid or water to reach your preferred consistency.
7. Add acidity: Stir in the apple cider vinegar or lime juice right before serving. This will brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the beans.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top if you like, and serve hot with rice or your favorite side dishes.

Tips & Variations

For best results, soak your beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

• Make it smoky: Add a small piece of smoked vegan sausage or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Spice level: Toss in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
• Slow cooker option: After soaking, place beans and water in a slow cooker with the bay leaf and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Thicken it up: Mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon to create a creamier texture.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley can be swapped for oregano for a slightly different herbal note.
• Batch cooking: This recipe freezes well, so make a big batch and freeze leftovers in portions for quick meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan Brazilian black bean dish pairs beautifully with traditional sides like white rice or brown rice to soak up the savory broth. For a truly authentic experience, serve it alongside sautéed collard greens or kale, lightly seasoned with garlic and olive oil.

For a heartier meal, try it with fried or baked plantains, or add a side of vegan farofa (toasted cassava flour mixture) for texture contrast. You can also enjoy it with warm crusty bread or vegan cornbread to scoop up every last bit of flavor.

Looking for other comforting vegan dishes? Check out this Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe or warm up with the Collard Green Casserole Recipes for more plant-based inspiration.

Conclusion

This Brazilian black bean recipe vegan style is a flavorful and nourishing dish that brings the essence of Brazil right to your kitchen. Its rich spices, creamy texture, and hearty nature make it perfect for any day of the week, whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends.

Plus, it’s super adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.

By using simple, wholesome ingredients and following the easy steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and packed with nutrition. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe for another delicious bean-based meal.

Happy cooking and bom apetite!

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