Feijoada is Brazil's national dish, a hearty and flavorful stew made with black beans and a variety of pork cuts. This humble stew has become a symbol of Brazilian cuisine, perfect for celebrations and family gatherings. Its deep, smoky flavor, achieved through the combination of bacon, chorizo, and sausage, makes it a unique culinary experience.
Feijoada is traditionally served with white rice, garlic-sautéed collard greens, and orange slices, which help balance the richness of the dish. Although it takes time to prepare, the result is a comforting feast that delights lovers of traditional cooking. It is ideal for those seeking a hearty and characterful main course, and it lends itself to variations such as adding pork ribs or dried meat.
In short, feijoada is much more than a bean stew: it is a celebration of flavors that reflects Brazil's history and cultural diversity. Try making it and discover why it is so loved around the world.
Prep
120 min
Start by soaking the black beans overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse before using.
In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Add the cubed pork shoulder and brown it on all sides in the bacon fat. Remove the pork and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the sliced chorizo and smoked sausage. Sauté them until they are browned and slightly crispy. Remove them and set them aside.
In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent.
Return the bacon, pork shoulder, chorizo, and smoked sausage to the pot. Add the soaked black beans, bay leaves, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cover everything with water, ensuring there's enough to submerge all the ingredients. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender and the meat is cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans covered.
Serve the feijoada hot with white rice, sautéed collard greens, and orange slices on the side. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Brazilian classic!
