Feijoada is Brazil’s most famous dish, a hearty black bean stew cooked with various cuts of pork. Traditionally served with rice, collard greens, orange slices, and farofa (toasted cassava flour), this dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. While it takes time to prepare, the rich flavors make it well worth the effort. Follow this recipe to make an authentic feijoada!
Ingredients (Makes 6 servings)
For the Stew:
- 500 g (about 1 lb) of dried black beans, soaked overnight
- 200 g (7 oz) of bacon, chopped
- 300 g (10 oz) of pork ribs, cut into small pieces
- 200 g (7 oz) of smoked sausage (linguiça), sliced
- 200 g (7 oz) of pork shoulder or pork belly, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Water (enough to cover the beans and meat)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Sautéed collard greens
- Orange slices
- Farofa (toasted cassava flour)
Instructions
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Prepare the black beans: Drain the soaked beans and set them aside.
- Brown the pork: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the bacon, pork ribs, sausage, and pork shoulder (or pork belly) in batches. Remove the meats and set them aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Cook the feijoada: Add the drained black beans to the pot, along with the bay leaves and the browned meats. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, partially covered, for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the meat is falling off the bone. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Once the feijoada is thick and rich, remove the bay leaves. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Serve with sides: Serve the feijoada with white rice, sautéed collard greens, orange slices, and farofa for a complete traditional meal.
This rich, flavorful feijoada is the ultimate comfort food in Brazil. It’s a perfect dish for sharing with loved ones, and its deep, smoky flavors make it an unforgettable meal. Enjoy!
