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Savory Feijoada Brazilian Black Bean Stew

Feijoada Brazilian black bean stew - featured image

A hearty and authentic Brazilian black bean stew featuring smoky sausage and tender pork, perfect for cozy nights and festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried black beans or 4 cups cooked black beans
  • 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage (such as chorizo or kielbasa), sliced
  • 1 lb (450 g) pork shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) pork ribs (optional)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 orange, zest and juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • About 6 cups (1.4 liters) water or chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, rinse under cold water and soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add pork shoulder chunks and pork ribs (if using). Brown on all sides for about 8 minutes.
  3. Remove pork and set aside. Add remaining olive oil, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Stir in sliced smoked sausage and cook for another 5 minutes until it releases smoky oils.
  5. Return pork cuts to the pot. Add soaked or pre-cooked black beans, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Pour in enough water or chicken broth to cover by about 1 inch (2.5 cm), roughly 6 cups.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and partially cover. Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and pork is falling apart. Add water if stew thickens too much.
  7. Stir in fresh orange zest and juice. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves.
  8. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Notes

Use firm, small-curd black beans for best texture. For gluten-free, verify sausage labels. Pork shoulder can be substituted with beef cuts but pork is traditional. Fresh orange zest brightens the stew; lime can be used as a substitute. Slow cooker method is possible by browning meats and sautéing aromatics first, then cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: Feijoada, Brazilian stew, black bean stew, smoked sausage, pork stew, comfort food, traditional Brazilian recipe