Baião de Dois: Amazing and Delicious Recipe

Introduction

Baião de Dois is a traditional dish from the Brazilian Northeast, known for its delicious combination of rice, beans and dried beef. This dish is a true celebration of the region’s typical flavors and ingredients, offering a nutritious and comforting meal. Cooking Baião de Dois may seem simple, but to get the best flavor it is important to use high-quality ingredients and follow a few practical tips. In this article, we will explore the history of Baião de Dois, provide a detailed recipe, share cooking tips, discuss variations and provide a nutrition table. If you are looking for a foolproof Baião de Dois recipe, this guide is for you.

History of Baião de Dois

Baião de Dois has its roots in the sertanejo culture of the Brazilian Northeast, where it was prepared by cowboys and rural workers as a nutritious and easy meal. The name “Baião de Dois” is inspired by the baião musical rhythm, popularized by Luiz Gonzaga, an iconic figure of Northeastern music. The dish is a mix of rice and beans, traditionally cooked together, with dried beef, sausage and other ingredients added that vary by region and personal preference. Baião de Dois is a versatile and complete dish, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

To prepare a delicious Baião de Dois, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 200 g (7 oz) dried beef (good quality), desalted and shredded
• 200 g (7 oz) green beans or black-eyed peas (good quality)
• 1 cup white rice (good quality)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 1 green bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 150 g (5.3 oz) smoked calabrese sausage (good quality), sliced
• 100 g (3.5 oz) bacon, chopped
• 2 tomatoes (seeded and finely chopped)
• 1 cup coalho cheese, cut into cubes
• 4 cups hot water or beef broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

1. Desalt the Dried Beef: Cut the dried beef into pieces and soak in cold water for at least 12 hours, changing the water several times to remove excess salt.
2. Cook the Dried Beef: Cook the dried beef in a pressure cooker with enough water to cover for about 20-30 minutes after it reaches pressure. Remove the meat, let it cool and shred it. Set aside.
3. Cook the Beans: Cook the beans in a pressure cooker with enough water to cover for about 20 minutes after it reaches pressure, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Making the Sauté Base

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Garlic, Bell Peppers and Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 more minutes. Add the finely chopped red and green bell peppers and the seeded, finely chopped tomatoes, cooking until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Sausage and Bacon: Add the sliced calabrese sausage and the chopped bacon, cooking until browned.

Step 3: Cooking the Baião de Dois

1. Add Dried Beef and Beans: Add the shredded dried beef and the cooked beans to the sauté base, mixing well.
2. Add Rice: Add the rice and stir well so the grains are coated in the sauté base.
3. Add Water or Broth: Add the hot water or beef broth, stirring to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. If needed, add more hot water during cooking.

Step 4: Finishing the Dish

1. Add Coalho Cheese: When the rice is almost done, add the cubed coalho cheese and stir gently.
2. Let It Rest: Turn off the heat and let the Baião de Dois rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
3. Fluff the Rice: Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Serve: Serve the Baião de Dois in individual plates or on a large platter, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Prep Time and Yield

• Prep Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes (not counting desalting time)
• Yield: Serves 6

Tips for a Perfect Baião de Dois

• Good-Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality dried beef, beans and rice for the best flavor.
• Desalt the Meat Properly: Be sure to desalt the dried beef well so the dish does not turn out too salty.
• Adjust the Amount of Water: Add water or broth as needed during cooking so the rice turns out tender and does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

Baião de Dois Variations

Baião de Dois with Carne de Sol

Swap the dried beef for desalted, shredded carne de sol for a different and equally delicious variation.

Baião de Dois with Charque

Use desalted charque instead of dried beef for a more intense and authentic flavor.

Vegetarian Baião de Dois

Leave out the dried beef, sausage and bacon, and add vegetables such as carrots, peas and corn for a nutritious vegetarian version.

Nutrition Benefits

Baião de Dois, when prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, can be a nutritious and balanced meal. Dried beef is an excellent source of protein and iron, essential for muscle and blood health. Beans provide plant-based protein, fiber and several nutrients, including folate, iron and potassium. Rice is an important source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins and essential minerals, supporting digestive and overall health. Using brown rice can raise the fiber content of the dish, making it even healthier.

Nutrition Facts

Component	Amount per serving (350g / 12 oz)
Calories	500 kcal
Carbohydrates	60 g
Protein	25 g
Fat	20 g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Dietary Fiber	7 g
Sodium	800 mg
Sugars	5 g

Conclusion

Baião de Dois is a classic and delicious recipe that combines the richness of dried beef with the simplicity of rice and beans. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and always a hit.

We hope this complete guide helps you prepare a delicious Baião de Dois at home. Follow the tips and variations to adapt the recipe to your taste and enjoy every spoonful of this delicacy. Enjoy!

Share This Recipe

If you liked this Baião de Dois recipe, share it with your friends and family! Spread the joy of enjoying this delicious meal and help others discover how easy it is to prepare this wonder at home.

---

 Liked it? Find more recipes like this on our site or join our group on Facebook