Image Source from catdelisle

Easy Brazilian Feijoada Recipe

Feijoada is a hearty Brazilian stew that has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world. This rich and flavourful dish is traditionally made with black beans and a variety of meats, creating a wonderful tapestry of flavours that reflect Brazil’s rich culinary heritage. While authentic feijoada can be quite elaborate and time-consuming, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you prepare a delicious version in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 500g black beans (canned or dried)
• 200g chorizo sausage, sliced
• 200g smoked sausage, sliced
• 300g pork shoulder or belly, cubed
• 200g bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
• Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish

For Serving:

• Steamed white rice
• Orange slices
• Sautéed collard greens (or kale)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans:
   If you are using dried black beans, soak them overnight in water. This helps to soften them and reduces the cooking time. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them before adding to the stew.

2. Cook the Meat:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. In the same pot, add the pork shoulder and cook until browned on all sides. Then, add the chorizo and smoked sausage, cooking for a few more minutes until they are slightly browned as well.

3. Sauté Aromatics:
   Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This will infuse the stew with a beautiful aroma.

4. Combine Ingredients:
   Return the bacon to the pot alongside the bay leaves, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

5. Add the Beans and Stock:
   If using dried beans, drain and rinse them before adding to the pot. Pour in the stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. If using canned beans, add them directly, along with the stock, and bring to heat.

6. Simmer the Stew:
   Cover the pot and let the feijoada simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours (if using dried beans), or 30 minutes to 1 hour (if using canned beans). Stir occasionally and add more stock or water if necessary. The beans should be tender and the flavours well combined.

7. Final Touches:
   Once the feijoada is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves and prepare for serving.

8. Serve:
   Serve the feijoada hot over a bed of steamed white rice. Garnish with fresh coriander and accompany with slices of orange and sautéed collard greens on the side. If you enjoy a little heat, add hot sauce to your plate.

Enjoying Feijoada

Feijoada is more than just a meal; it is a celebration of Brazilian culture. Typically served on weekends and during special occasions, this dish brings families and friends together around a table. Pair your feijoada with a cold Brazilian beer or a glass of caipirinha for an authentic experience.

With this easy recipe, you can savour the rich flavours of Brazil right in your kitchen. Enjoy making this comforting dish, and don’t forget to share the experience with loved ones!

No items listed in the response.