Authentic Brazilian Tutu de Feijão Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of black beans
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of cassava flour
  • 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 hard boiled eggs, sliced for decoration (optional)
  • 2 sausage links, cooked and sliced for decoration (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the black beans in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer until they are tender. This should take about two hours.
  2. In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté them until they are soft and fragrant.
  3. Once the beans are cooked, add the sautéed onion and garlic to the pot. Mix well and continue to cook for a few more minutes.
  4. Gradually add the cassava flour to the pot, constantly stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. The mixture should start to thicken.
  5. Add the chopped parsley and green onions to the pot. Stir well to combine everything.
  6. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If the consistency is too thick, you can add a little more water.
  7. If you're using the hard boiled eggs and sausage links, arrange them on top of the tutu de feijão for decoration just before serving.
  8. Serve the tutu de feijão warm with rice or as a side dish with your favourite Brazilian meal.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different flavor.
  • Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option.
  • Add diced bacon or ham for added smoky flavor.
  • Try using cornmeal instead of cassava flour for a slightly different texture.
  • Add cooked shredded chicken or beef for a meaty version.
  • Include chopped bell peppers or tomatoes for added freshness and color.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, skip the sausage and eggs and instead garnish with sliced avocado or roasted vegetables.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as cumin, paprika, or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
  • Serve the tutu de feijão with a side of farofa, a traditional Brazilian toasted cassava flour mixture.

Recipe overview

Tutu de Feijão is a traditional Brazilian dish, often served as a comforting and hearty side to other Brazilian classics. Made primarily from black beans and cassava flour, this recipe is simple, nutritious, and full of flavor. Sauteed onions and garlic provide depth, while a mix of parsley and green onions add a fresh and vibrant taste. The consistency of the dish can be easily adjusted to preference, ranging from a thick puree to a loose porridge. Optional toppings of hard-boiled eggs and sausage links provide extra texture and flavor, making this dish a versatile and satisfying choice for any meal. Whether served with rice or accompanying your favorite Brazilian entree, Tutu de Feijão is a delightful taste experience you can prepare and enjoy in your own home.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned black beans instead of cooking them from scratch?
  2. Yes, you can use canned black beans for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot.
  3. Is cassava flour the same as tapioca flour?
  4. Yes, cassava flour and tapioca flour are made from the same root vegetable, but they are processed differently. Cassava flour is the whole root that is dried and ground, while tapioca flour is the starch extracted from the root.
  5. Can I substitute cassava flour with any other flour?
  6. No, cassava flour is an essential ingredient in this recipe and cannot be easily substituted. It gives the dish its unique texture and flavor.
  7. Can I freeze tutu de feijão?
  8. Yes, you can freeze tutu de feijão. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  9. What can I serve tutu de feijão with?
  10. Tutu de feijão is traditionally served with rice as a main dish. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or other Brazilian dishes.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the black beans.
  • Pan - Used to sauté the onion and garlic.
  • Stirring spoon - Essential for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Knife - Required for chopping the onion and parsley.
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - Needed to measure the black beans, cassava flour, and water.
  • Measuring spoons - Required for measuring the vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Serving dish - Used to present the tutu de feijão.
  • Optional: Platter or serving tray - Useful for arranging the sliced hard boiled eggs and sausage links for decoration.

Origin stories

Tutu de Feijão hails from the heart of Brazil, the humble black bean transformed into a comforting and hearty dish rich in tradition. Its name, "Tutu", is believed to come from the African Bantu language, meaning to 'tie up', 'hold together', or 'to be compact', reflecting the dish's thick, bound texture. Originally, Tutu de Feijão was the food of the people, filling stomachs cheaply and nutritiously, but over time, it has become a beloved staple across all classes, from the simplest home kitchens to the finest restaurants in São Paulo. Its versatility is a testament to Brazilian cuisine's ability to transform simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. Among many, it is not just a dish, but a delicious symbol of Brazilian culture and culinary unity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.