| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 90 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 582 | 28g | 4g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 10g | 20g | 1.5g |
Why I Love Brazilian Vegan Virado à Mineira
Just as I thought I’d seen and cooked everything under the culinary sun, along came the Brazilian gem, Vegan Virado à Mineira. This dish, like many of our daily delights, speaks to the melding of flavors inherent in life’s best recipes. Translated as “flipped in the style of Minas Gerais,” the spirit of this dish lies in its variety of ingredients – an artful ensemble of black-eyed beans, aromatic garlic and onion, hearty vegan bacon and sausage, greens, and vibrant spices cooked until harmoniously blended.
The Evolution Of Tex-Mex To Vegan Virado à Mineira
Though my Tex-Mex roots run deep, the bold flavors of Brazil always enthralled me, especially those from the regional cuisine of Minas Gerais. It’s no wonder that this vegan take on Virado à Mineira found a special place in my heart. It’s reminiscent of the beloved Tex-Mex refried beans but takes it a step further with a complex tapestry of flavors. I’ve learnt so much from inspiring chefs like Leticia Moreinos Schwartz, whose soulful Brazilian cooking has shaped my view on food diversity.
Brazillian Flavors Mingling With Southern Delights
It’s hard not to be drawn to the color, aroma, and taste of Vegan Virado à Mineira. I am reminded of southern red beans and rice whenever I prepare it, with the classic combo of beans and rice at the heart of both recipes. It’s the amalgamation of traditional comfort food with a vibrant Brazilian flare. When served alongside a tangy coleslaw or a bright mixed potato salad, the meal in its entirety paints a scrumptious, global culinary picture.
In the end, it’s the savory beans paired with the subtle heat from cayenne pepper, the crunch of vegan bacon, and the comforting familiarity of garlic and onion that really make this dish irresistible. Whether you’re a tried-and-true vegan, or just someone looking to explore more plant-based fare, this Brazilian classic Vegan Virado à Mineira is sure to delight. After all, food is not merely about the ingredients, it’s about the journey of flavors from your plate to your palate. Bon appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups dried black-eyed beans
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups flour
- 6 cups chopped collard greens
- 2 cups vegan bacon, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cups of vegan sausage, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
Method
Step One
Start by soaking the black-eyed beans in a large bowl of water overnight. After soaking, rinse the beans and set aside.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped white onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until the onions have become golden brown and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
Next, add the soaked and rinsed beans to the pan, coating them in the onion and garlic mixture. Add the vegetable broth to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are soft and cooked through.
Step Four
While the beans are simmering, you can start to prepare the rice. In a pot, add the rice and 4 cups of water, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice cook until it’s soft and all the water is absorbed.
Step Five
In a separate large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, gradually add the flour to the pan, stirring continuously to avoid clumps. Cook until the mixture becomes a golden brown color.
Step Six
Still using the same pan, add the chopped collard greens to the flour mixture, making sure to stir well so the greens are fully coated. Add in the finely chopped vegan bacon, stirring until well combined.
Step Seven
Season the collard greens and bacon mix with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and turmeric. Cook until the greens have wilted and the bacon is well cooked.
Step Eight
In the another pan, cook the vegan sausage until it’s fully browned and crispy.
Step Nine
Once all components are cooked, combine the beans, rice, collard green mixture, and browned sausage in a large serving dish. Garnish with the chopped green onions before serving.
Note: The Vegan Virado à Mineira is now ready to serve and enjoy!
