Exquisite Brazilian Feijoada

Exquisite Brazilian Feijoada

Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian dish that is a rich and hearty black bean stew, slow-cooked with a variety of flavorful ingredients, particularly pork. The name “Feijoada” contains the letters X, S, and Z, making it an ideal choice for this request. This dish is usually served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices, making it a complete and sumptuous meal.

Description:
Feijoada is a beloved Brazilian comfort food that embodies the diverse cultural influences of the country. This savory stew is typically enjoyed as a communal meal, often on weekends or special occasions. The combination of black beans, various cuts of pork, and aromatic spices simmered together creates a delectable, soul-warming dish.

Ingredients:

• 500g black beans, soaked overnight
• 200g pork shoulder, cubed
• 100g chorizo sausage, sliced
• 100g smoked sausage, sliced
• 100g bacon, diced
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 orange, halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked black beans.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the bacon and cook until it starts to crisp. Add the pork shoulder and brown on all sides.
4. Add the chorizo and smoked sausage to the pot, cooking until slightly browned. Remove all meats from the pot and set aside.
5. In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant.
6. Add the beans back into the pot along with the cooked meats.
7. Pour enough water to cover the beans and meats, approximately 4 cups. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
8. Add the bay leaves, cumin, black pepper, and halved orange, squeezing the juice into the stew before adding the pieces.
9. Simmer uncovered for about 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the stew has thickened. Check occasionally and add more water if needed.
10. Season with salt to taste. Discard the bay leaves and orange halves before serving.

Serving Suggestion:
Serve the Feijoada over white rice, accompanied by sautéed collard greens, and orange slices on the side to aid digestion and add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Enjoy this authentic Brazilian feast with friends and family!