Brazilian Feijoada is a hearty black bean stew featuring a variety of salted and smoked pork and beef products. It’s a traditional dish often served on weekends and special occasions in Brazil. Feijoada is beloved for its rich, savory flavors and the way it brings people together around the table.
Servings: Serves 8 people
Appliances/Utensils:
– Large Pot for boiling
– Dutch oven
– Cutting Board
– Sharp knives
– Wooden Spoon and spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Ladle
– Can opener
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried black beans
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into cubes
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb chorizo, sliced
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups water or beef stock
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Soak the black beans in water overnight in a large pot for boiling.
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Drain the beans and set them aside.
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Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
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Add the pork shoulder cubes and brown them on all sides.
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Stir in the smoked sausage, chorizo, and bacon; cook for 5 minutes.
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Add the drained beans, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in the water or beef stock and add the quartered orange.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
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Simmer for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
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Remove the orange quarters and bay leaf before serving.
Tips and Suggestions:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and use vegetable stock instead.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference; you can add some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Feijoada is often better the next day, as the flavors deepen overnight.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Feijoada with white rice, collard greens, and orange slices. Garnish with chopped cilantro for added freshness.
Estimated Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes