Prepare to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Brazil with the most iconic and soul-warming dish you'll ever experience! Feijoada is more than just a black bean stew - it's a cultural celebration packed with rich flavors, tender meats, and generations of traditional cooking wisdom. This hearty recipe isn't just a meal; it's a delicious adventure that promises to transform your kitchen into a Brazilian feast and impress everyone at your dining table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: Brazilian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed
- 4 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the black beans that have been soaked overnight and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess starch.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add cubed pork shoulder to the pot and brown on all sides, creating a nice caramelized exterior. This process should take about 7-8 minutes.
- Incorporate sliced smoked sausage and cook for another 3-4 minutes to release its flavors and slightly crisp the edges.
- Pour in the soaked black beans and add 4 cups of water. Drop in two bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer gently for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the beans and meat for tenderness. The beans should be creamy and soft, and the meat should be falling apart. If needed, add more water during cooking to maintain moisture.
- Once cooking is complete, remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by white rice, orange slices, and farofa (toasted cassava flour).
Tips
- • Soak your beans overnight to ensure maximum tenderness and reduce cooking time • Use a mix of pork cuts for deeper, more complex flavor profiles • Brown meats thoroughly to develop a rich, caramelized base for your stew • Stir occasionally to prevent beans from sticking and burning • Don't rush the cooking process - slow simmering is key to developing intense flavors • Consider preparing a day ahead, as flavors continue to develop and improve overnight • Serve with traditional accompaniments like white rice, orange slices, and farofa for an authentic Brazilian experience
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
