Arroz Junto with Brazilian Flair

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) white rice 2 cups (400g) white rice
• 1 cup (200g) black beans, cooked 1 cup (200g) black beans, cooked
• 4 slices of bacon, diced 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 sausage, sliced 1 sausage, sliced
• 1/2 lb (225g) beef, cubed 1/2 lb (225g) beef, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1885 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy.
2. 2.
   Add the sausage and beef to the pot and cook until browned. Remove the meats from the pot and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the carrot and bell pepper to the pot and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Stir in the rice, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.
6. 6.
   Pour in enough water to cover the rice by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
7. 7.
   Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
8. 8.
   Stir in the cooked black beans and the reserved meats. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and let the Arroz Junto rest for a few minutes before serving.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
• Black beans — If you don't have cooked black beans, you can use canned black beans. Rinse them thoroughly before adding to the dish.
• Sausage — Choose a smoked or spicy sausage for added flavor.
• Beef — Use a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, for the best results.
• Paprika — Opt for sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a smoky flavor, you can grill the sausage and beef before adding them to the dish.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
• Leftover Arroz Junto can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. It often tastes even better as the flavors have had time to meld together.
• Serve Arroz Junto with a side of farofa for an authentic Brazilian experience.
• Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Serving advice

Arroz Junto is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, arrange a few slices of sausage and beef on top of the rice before serving. Sprinkle some chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant touch.