Beans a Mineira

I love making beans. They are so delicious and nutritious. You just have to soak them overnight, but once done, they are so simple and easy to make. I usually have it with white rice and sauteed kale (or collard greens) for a full "mineiro" (i.g. someone/something from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil) experience. It tastes like home. The turkey adds a nice smokey taste which reminds me of feijoada! Obviously, this is a healthier option. :) Oh, and I must confess that I always make extra (2 cups is a lot of beans!) so I can alternate it with other meals during the week! Enjoy!!!


Ingredients:

• 2 cups of black beans
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 pound of smoked turkey bacon
• Olive oil to taste
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Place the beans into a big bowl. Cover them with filtered water and let them soak overnight. This  is a greener and safer way to replace the pressure cooker! :)
2. Remove the soaking water the next day.
3. Place beans into a big pan and cover them with fresh filtered water.
4. Let it cook for about 1 hour or until beans are fully cooked.
5. Meanwhile, slice the garlic and chop the turkey.
6. Remove cooked beans from pan.
7. Using the same pan in a medium heat, add the olive oil and then the garlic.
8. Sauté turkey onto colored garlic.
9. Add beans and sauce back into the pan.
10. Add salt to taste and let it boil.

Notes and Tips:

• For a thicker sauce, blend a quarter of cooked beans (after # 4 in "Preparation") and add it back to the mixture!
• Serve it hot with/over white rice and sauteed kale or collard greens.
• See nutritious, healthy eating and soaking methods here.