Brazilian
👍 Beginner Friendly
40 mineasy
BrazilianLunch
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsTutu à Mineira is a beloved Brazilian comfort food originating from the state of Minas Gerais. This rustic dish transforms simple black beans into a rich, creamy purée thickened with cassava flour and enriched with crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and onions. The name "tutu" refers to the thick, porridge-like consistency achieved by mashing the beans and incorporating toasted cassava flour. Traditionally served alongside rice, collard greens, and pork dishes, Tutu à Mineira represents the heart of Minas Gerais home cooking. The combination of smoky bacon, earthy beans, and the distinctive texture from cassava flour creates layers of flavor and comfort. This one-pot wonder showcases the resourcefulness of Brazilian cuisine, turning humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish that has been passed down through generations.
Instructions
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Drain the cooked black beans, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid. Set aside.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
Add the diced onions to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the cooked black beans to the pot along with 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, mash about half of the beans to create a creamy texture while leaving some whole for texture.
In a dry skillet, toast the cassava flour over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns light golden and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes.
Gradually add the toasted cassava flour to the beans, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add more reserved cooking liquid as needed to achieve a creamy, porridge-like consistency.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The mixture should be thick but still pourable.
Crumble the reserved crispy bacon and stir it into the tutu.
Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Tutu à Mineira
3.5 (23)
A traditional dish from Minas Gerais featuring creamy mashed beans cooked with bacon, garlic, and cassava flour, creating a hearty and flavorful accompaniment perfect for any meal.
medium
1h
6 servings
Ingredients
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Main Ingredients
- 3 cups black-beans, cooked and drained
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pieces onions, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cups flour, cassava flour, toasted
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoons salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
- 1 pieces bay-leaves, whole (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh, chopped (optional)
Chef Tips
expert advice•The consistency of Tutu à Mineira should be similar to thick porridge - it should hold its shape on a spoon but still be creamy.
•If it becomes too thick, add more bean cooking liquid or water.
•The toasting of cassava flour is crucial for developing the nutty flavor that defines this dish.
•For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with olive oil and add smoked paprika for depth.
•Traditional accompaniments include white rice, sautéed collard greens (couve), fried eggs, and sliced oranges.
•Some cooks add a bay leaf while simmering for extra flavor.
•The dish thickens as it cools, so serve it slightly looser than desired final consistency.
•For authentic flavor, use Brazilian cassava flour (farinha de mandioca), which has a coarser texture than tapioca flour.
