Feijoada Recipe

Here's a delicious and traditional Feijoada recipe, a Brazilian stew made with black beans, pork, and beef. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of dried black beans

• 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, cut into chunks

• 1/2 lb (225g) smoked sausage (linguiça), sliced

• 1/2 lb (225g) chorizo sausage or any other sausage of choice, sliced

• 1/4 lb (115g) bacon, chopped

• 1/2 lb (225g) beef jerky or dried beef (optional), cut into pieces

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 6 cups water or chicken broth

• 1 orange, quartered (optional, but traditional for garnish)

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

• Cooked rice (to serve)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Soak the Beans:

   • The night before, soak the black beans in plenty of water. Drain the beans before cooking.

2. Cook the Meats:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Add the pork shoulder chunks, sausages, and beef jerky (if using). Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the meat starts to brown and release some of its fat.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

4. Add Beans and Water:

   • Add the soaked black beans to the pot along with the bay leaves. Pour in 6 cups of water or chicken broth to cover the beans and meat. Stir everything together.

5. Simmer the Feijoada:

   • Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. If the beans get too thick, add more water or broth as needed. The beans should be soft, and the meats should be tender.

6. Season the Stew:

   • Once the beans and meats are cooked through, taste and season with salt and pepper. If you want, squeeze some fresh orange juice over the stew for a little extra tang.

7. Serve:

   • Serve your Feijoada hot over white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with orange wedges on the side. You can also add sautéed collard greens or a side of farofa (toasted cassava flour) for a traditional touch.

Feijoada is best when shared with family and friends, so invite your loved ones and enjoy the delicious flavors of Brazil!

Let me know if you need any more tips or variations!