Brazilian Feijoada-Inspired Beans and Rice Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) Cooked black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1.5 cups Cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 Bay leaf(optional)
• 1 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1/2 cup Water or low-sodium broth
• 1/4 tsp Salt(optional)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper(optional)
• 1 tbsp Lime juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (15 minutes total): Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

2. 2

   Cook aromatics (about 10 minutes): In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add onion and cook until softened, 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30–60 seconds.

3. 3

   Build the feijoada-style sauce (about 10 minutes): Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, then add water/broth and bay leaf (if using). Simmer 3–4 minutes to deepen flavor.

4. 4

   Simmer beans (about 20 minutes): Add drained/rinsed black beans. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful, about 15–20 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. 5

   Serve (no extra cook time): Spoon rice into bowls, top with the beans, and finish with lime juice.