Brazilian Feijoada

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This Brazilian-inspired feijoada simmers black beans with smoked sausage, pork, bacon and aromatics until rich and tender. Soak the beans overnight, cook them fully and add orange segments at the end for a bright contrast. Place soaked beans, bay leaves and 1.5 litres fresh water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered 60 to 90 minutes until nearly tender; add water as needed. In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Add pork and brown on all sides. Add sausage and brown briefly. Add onion and garlic to skillet; cook until softened. Transfer meat and aromatics to bean pot. Cook gently 60 to 90 minutes until beans and pork are tender and pork is fully cooked. Add hot water if stew becomes too thick. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe card

Brazilian Feijoada

A hearty black bean stew with pork, smoked sausage, bacon and orange.

Prep 25 minCook 160 minTotal 185 minYield 6 servings

Adjust recipe Half batchOriginal batchDouble batchOnly numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Measuring tools, mixing bowl and suitable pan

Ingredients

400 g dried black beans, soaked overnight and drained 450 g smoked sausage, sliced 450 g pork shoulder, cubed 225 g bacon, diced 1 whole large onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 whole bay leaves 1 whole orange, peeled and segmented 1 tsp fine salt, or to taste 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Start beans

   Place soaked beans, bay leaves and 1.5 litres fresh water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered 60 to 90 minutes until nearly tender; add water as needed.

2. Brown meats

   In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Add pork and brown on all sides. Add sausage and brown briefly.

3. Cook aromatics

   Add onion and garlic to skillet; cook until softened. Transfer meat and aromatics to bean pot.

4. Simmer

   Cook gently 60 to 90 minutes until beans and pork are tender and pork is fully cooked. Add hot water if stew becomes too thick. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve

   Remove bay leaves. Fold in orange segments just before serving.

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How to tell when it is ready

Cook until tender and evenly heated as described.

Tips

• Measure ingredients before beginning.
• Use evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
• Cool and store leftovers promptly.

Troubleshooting

• If mixture is too wet, add binder gradually.
• If browning too quickly, lower the heat.

Substitutions

• Use a compatible neutral oil if needed.
• Choose suitable alternatives for dietary needs.

Variations

• Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
• Add a suitable seasonal ingredient.

Serving suggestions

• Serve with a fresh seasonal side.
• Pair with bread, rice or another suitable accompaniment.
• Offer a complementary sauce or topping.
• Serve warm or chilled as directed.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate perishable ingredients; finish shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains pork. Soak beans in the refrigerator, discard soaking water, cook beans fully and refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly; finish close to serving.

How should I store brazilian feijoada?

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.