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Baião de dois
Drain the soaked beans, cover with 1.5 litres of fresh water, add the bay leaves and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until tender but still whole. Drain, keeping the cooking liquid.
Tip: Cowpeas cook fast. Check from 15 minutes; mushy beans spoil the texture.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Baião de dois take?
5 hr 15 min all in — 15 min prep, 1 hr cook, 4 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Gluten-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Saucepan, Dutch oven, Chef's knife.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 2 tsp.
What can I use instead?
Queijo coalho → Halloumi. The same squeak and the same refusal to melt. It is saltier, so halve the salt.
Any tips from this recipe?
It should be creamy and loose. If it looks dry before the rice is done, add a splash of hot bean liquid. Carne de sol or leftover roast beef, cubed and fried with the bacon, makes it a full meal.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Carne de sol or leftover roast beef, cubed and fried with the bacon, makes it a full meal.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.