Portuguese Baked Beans

Portuguese Baked Beans Recipe - Navy Beans, Chouriço, Red Wine Vinegar, Onion, Tomato Sauce

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 12 hours | Cooking time: 4 hours 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Portuguese Baked Beans are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the rich flavors of chouriço, beans, and tomato sauce to create a satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Portuguese Baked Beans have been a staple in Portuguese cuisine for centuries. The combination of beans and chouriço is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed by generations of Portuguese families. This dish is often served at family gatherings and celebrations, and is a beloved comfort food in Portugal.

Ingredients

1 package of small white navy beans
1 lb (454 g) of chouriço
red wine vinegar
1 chopped onion
1 x 16 oz (454 g) can of tomato sauce

How to prepare

Soak the beans overnight.
Meanwhile, cut the chourico into small chunks and marinate them in wine overnight.
In the morning, rinse the beans and place them in a large pan. Add the onion and chourico, then cover with water.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 hours or until the beans are cooked.
Remove from the oven and add tomato sauce. Alternatively, you can add ketchup to achieve your desired look and taste. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
Check on them occasionally. You can also use a crock pot for this recipe, then transfer the beans to the oven to brown.

Variations

You can add diced bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and texture.
For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Substitute the chouriço with smoked sausage or bacon for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight is essential to ensure they cook evenly and have a creamy texture.

- Marinating the chouriço in wine adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Adding ketchup to the beans can enhance the flavor and give them a rich, tangy taste.

- Checking on the beans occasionally while they are baking will ensure they don't dry out or burn.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Portuguese Baked Beans with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the beans in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, hearty dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find chouriço, you can use linguica or another type of smoked sausage.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beans up to a day in advance and bake them when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Portuguese Baked Beans in individual ramekins for a rustic and charming presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

30g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork (chouriço) and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Summary

Portuguese Baked Beans are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With the rich flavors of chouriço, beans, and tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was on a warm summer day many years ago when I stumbled upon the recipe for Portuguese Baked Beans. I had always been fascinated by the cuisines of different cultures, and when a friend of mine mentioned that she had a delicious recipe for baked beans that she learned from her Portuguese grandmother, I knew I had to try it.

My friend graciously invited me over to her home to watch her make the dish. As I watched her mix the ingredients together, I could smell the fragrant aromas of garlic, onions, and smoked paprika filling the kitchen. The beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce, absorbing all the flavors of the spices and herbs. I could hardly wait to taste the final result.

When the dish was finally ready, we sat down at the table and took our first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe. The creamy beans were tender and perfectly seasoned, with a slight kick of heat from the smoked paprika. It was a dish that was both comforting and satisfying, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I asked my friend for the recipe, and she happily shared it with me. I took notes as she explained each step, from soaking the beans overnight to slow-cooking them in the tomato sauce until they were tender and flavorful. I made sure to write down every detail, knowing that I wanted to recreate this dish in my own kitchen.

As I began to make the Portuguese Baked Beans on my own, I found myself adding my own twist to the recipe. I experimented with different types of beans, trying kidney beans, navy beans, and even black beans to see which one I liked best. I also played around with the spices, adding a touch more smoked paprika or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to give the dish a bit more heat.

Each time I made the Portuguese Baked Beans, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The dish had become a staple in my household, and my family and friends always looked forward to enjoying it whenever I made it. I loved the fact that I had learned a new recipe from a dear friend, and that it had become a part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the Portuguese Baked Beans countless times, each time tweaking the recipe just a bit to make it my own. I have shared the recipe with many others, passing on the delicious flavors and traditions of Portuguese cuisine to those around me. It has become a dish that is near and dear to my heart, a reminder of the day when I first discovered its magic in my friend's kitchen.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Portuguese Baked Beans once again, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that this dish has brought into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting connections, and to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. And for that, I will always be thankful.