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4.5 from 12 votes

Tutu de Feijão (Brazilian Refried Beans)

Tutu de Feijão is a typical Brazilian dish that is a must-try if you’re a bean lover! Rich and hearty, it is absolutely delicious and very easy to make.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 5 mins
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 292 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Brazilian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry black beans
  • 6 cups cold water plus more for soaking
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 8 ounces thick bacon diced
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup cassava flour or to taste
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • ½ cup chopped parsley

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Soak the beans overnight: Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Cook the beans: Drain the soaked beans and transfer to a large Dutch oven. Add the 6 cups of water and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, over medium-high heat, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until beans are very tender, 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
  3. Instant Pot method: If you prefer using a pressure cooker, combine the beans, water and bay leaves in the bowl of your cooker. Cover and turn the vent to the sealed position. Cook at high pressure for 25 minutes. When done, let the steam pressure naturally release for at least 20 minutes before removing the lid.
  4. When beans are cooked, reserve 2 cups of the cooked beans, without liquid.
  5. Transfer the remaining beans with 2 cups of the cooking liquid to the jar of a blender. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier tutu de feijão, you can just mash the beans using a potato masher. Reserve.
  6. Heat the olive oil, over medium heat, in a large skillet. Add the bacon and cook until golden brown, 6-8 minutes.
  7. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
  8. Add the reserved cooked beans and sauté with the aromatics for a couple of minutes.
  9. Stir in the puréed beans.
  10. Slowly add the cassava flour, stirring constantly, until you reach the desired thickness. You might not need to use the whole amount, or you might need more. It depends on how creamy or thick you like your tutu.
  11. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
  12. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to 3 days.
  • Tutu de Feijão can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Black beans - You can use pinto, red or white beans instead.
  • Canned beans - You can use canned or leftovers cooked beans and skip steps 1-3. However, since canned beans don't contain as much liquid as freshly cooked beans, you will probably have to add some water or broth when pureeing the beans in the blender.
  • Bacon - You can substitute or add sliced or diced sausage if you'd like. Omit for a vegetarian version.
  • Cassava flour - Finely ground corn flour or breadcrumbs can be used.
  • Stove top (recommended): Place the refried beans in a saucepan and reheat over medium-low heat, adding water as needed to restore the original consistency. 
  • Microwave: Place the tutu de feijão in a covered container and heat on high for about 2 minutes or until warm. Stir, add a little bit of water if needed (refried beans will easily dry out when microwaved) and serve.

Nutrition Information

Calories 292kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 7g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 25mg (8%) Sodium 267mg (11%) Potassium 405mg (12%) Fiber 7g (28%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 442IU (9%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 51mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 292

% Daily Value*

Calories 292kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 7g 35%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 25mg 8%
Sodium 267mg 11%
Potassium 405mg 9%
Fiber 7g 28%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 442IU 9%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 51mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.