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Feijoada - Brazilian National Dish

Feijoada Recipe

Feijoada is a hearty Brazilian black bean stew, traditionally made with a mix of pork cuts, including sausages, ribs, and bacon.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 6 people
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 Knife and cutting board
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Ladle
  • 1 Small saucepan For Rice

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Dried Black Beans Soaked Overnight and Drained
  • 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Whole Large Onion Finely Chopped 
  • 4 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 lb Pork Shoulder or Pork Ribs Cut Into Chunks
  • ½ lb Smoked Sausage Sliced
  • ½ lb Smoked Bacon or Pork Belly Cubed
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • ½ Tsp Black Pepper
  • Salt To Taste
  • 4 Cups Water or Chicken Broth Add More as Needed

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Ingredients:
    If you haven’t already, soak the black beans in plenty of water overnight. Drain them before you start cooking. 
    Soak the Black Beans
  • Start the Stew:
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant. 
    Adding onion to the pot
  • Cook the Meats:
    Add the pork shoulder (or ribs), sausage, and bacon. Stir everything together, cooking until the meats start to brown slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. 
    Preparing the Meat
  • Add Beans and Seasoning:
    Stir in the soaked and drained beans. Add the bay leaf, black pepper, and a little salt (you can adjust more later). Pour in the water or chicken broth, making sure everything is covered by about an inch of liquid. Bring to a boil. 
    Add Beans and Seasonings
  • Simmer the Stew:
    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add a bit more water if needed to keep the beans and meat submerged. 
  • Check for Doneness:
    After 2 hours, the beans should be soft, and the pork should be tender and easily pull apart. If it’s not quite there, let it cook a bit longer. Adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. 
  • Serve:
    Spoon the feijoada into bowls, alongside cooked rice, orange slices, and some garlic-sautéed collard greens. 

Video

Notes

  • Soaking Beans: If you’re short on time, a quick soak method works too. Just cover the beans in boiling water and let sit for an hour.
  • Add Heat: For a spicier feijoada, throw in a sliced jalapeño or add a bit of hot sauce toward the end of cooking.
  • Flavor Boost: A splash of red wine or a pinch of smoked paprika can give extra depth to the stew if you like.
Keyword Black Beans, Brazilian Cuisine, Comfort Food, Feijoada