Dinner hack straight from Brazil


Oi, Gente!

In Brazil, batch cooking is just what we do... make a big pot of beans, portion it out, and keep the freezer stocked.

Even when I cooked for just myself, this was my way of life. It saved me countless times during my corporate days when I worked long hours and didn’t have the energy to cook from scratch.

The beauty of batch cooking is that it’s always there when you need it.

Plus, you can mix things up!

Just change the type of beans, add or skip sausage, even swap for lentils. And while it’s a lifesaver for busy midweek dinners (that’s the bonus!), it’s also a lifestyle that keeps Brazilian food within reach anytime.

Serve it the classic way, with rice, or get creative topping a warm salad, build a bowl, or use it as the base for something new like soups.

Check out some of my favorite batch recipes below and start stocking up your freezer — future-you will be so grateful.

Instant Pot Lentils

Hearty, protein-packed, and endlessly versatile, these lentils are a simple recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. The flavor base is easy to customize, so you can season them to suit your family’s taste. Keep them vegan for tossing into warm grain salads, or serve them alongside chicken and rice for a classic comfort meal. Make a big batch, freeze what you don’t need, and enjoy a ready-to-go side or main any night of the week.

Brazilian Black Beans

Rich, garlicky, and full of smoky flavor, these black beans are the heart of Brazilian comfort food. Made with sausage and bacon, this big-batch recipe is as indulgent as it is practical. Portion it out for the freezer, and you’ll have the perfect base for easy midweek meals — just reheat, add rice, and dinner is served the Brazilian way.

Pinto Beans

These pinto beans are packed with veggies, spices, and endless possibilities. Keep them vegan, make them meaty with bacon or sausage, or play with the seasoning to match your family’s taste. The Instant Pot makes cooking effortless, and the big batch means you can feed a crowd, meal prep for the week, or stock your freezer for easy meals down the line.

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Brazilian Kitchen Abroad

Join thousands of food lovers exploring the vibrant flavors of Brazil! Each week, I share easy, approachable Brazilian flavor-filled recipes, cooking tips, and seasonal hacks to help you bring bold, delicious meals to your table—no matter where you are.

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