Feijoada
A rich and hearty Brazilian black bean stew with pork and beef, served with rice and orange slices.
30 mins
Prep Time
3 hours
Cook Time
6
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black beans (soaked overnight)
- 1 lb pork shoulder (cut into chunks)
- 1 lb beef chuck (cut into chunks)
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage (sliced)
- 1/2 lb bacon (chopped)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 orange (sliced for serving)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Farofa (toasted cassava flour, for serving)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Nutrition Facts
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Instructions
Soak the black beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
Add the pork shoulder and beef chuck to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Return the browned meats and bacon to the pot. Add the soaked black beans, bay leaves, and enough water to cover everything by about 2 inches.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer covered for about 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans and meats are tender.
Add the sliced smoked sausage and simmer for another 30 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot over cooked white rice, garnished with chopped cilantro, and accompanied by orange slices and farofa.
Chef's Tips
- Soaking Beans: Soaking the beans overnight reduces cooking time and makes them easier to digest.
- Meat Variations: Use a mix of smoked and fresh meats for depth of flavor. Traditional cuts include pork ribs, ears, and tails.
- Low and Slow: Cooking feijoada slowly allows the flavors to meld and the meats to become tender.
- Leftovers: Feijoada tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Serving Tradition: Serve with collard greens sautéed with garlic for a complete Brazilian meal.
