How to Make the Perfect Feijoada
Brazilian · Hard · 210 min · 6 servings
Feijoada is the national dish of Brazil, a rich and hearty black bean stew slow-cooked with smoky pork cuts and sausages. It is traditionally served with white rice, farofa, and orange slices to balance the deep flavors.
Why this recipe works
This Feijoada recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 210 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 620 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 500 g dried black beans soaked overnight
- 300 g smoked pork sausage sliced
- 250 g pork ribs
- 1 whole large onion diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 leaves bay leaves
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Soak and Prep Beans
Drain the soaked black beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a large heavy pot and cover with fresh water by about 5 cm. Bring to a boil over high heat and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a separate skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat and brown the smoked sausage slices and pork ribs on all sides until deeply caramelized. Add the diced onion and garlic to the same skillet and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Slow Cook Together
Transfer all the browned meats, onion, and garlic into the pot with the black beans. Add the bay leaves and enough water to keep everything submerged. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are completely tender and the broth is thick and dark.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaves and taste the stew, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Ladle generous portions into deep bowls and serve alongside steamed white rice, toasted farofa, and fresh orange slices to cut through the richness.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- smoked pork sausage → smoked turkey sausage for a lighter version
- pork ribs → beef short ribs for a different depth of flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the overnight bean soak which results in unevenly cooked tough beans
- Not skimming foam during the first boil which makes the broth taste bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 620 calories, 42g protein, 48g carbs, 26g fat, 14g fiber.
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