Flavor-Packed Brazilian Feijoada: A Hearty Bean Stew with Smoky Meats

Feijoada is a Brazilian national dish that combines black beans with a variety of salted pork or beef products, and it’s traditionally served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices. This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for a comforting meal, bringing together smoky, savory, and subtly spicy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb black beans, dried
• 1/2 lb bacon, diced
• 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 orange, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 cups water

Instructions:

1. Soak the beans: Place the dried black beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let the beans soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
2. Cook the bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it is crispy and the fat has rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Brown the meats: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the pork shoulder pieces to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly browned. Remove the meats and set aside.
4. Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Combine ingredients: Return the bacon, pork shoulder, and sausage to the pot. Add the soaked black beans, bay leaves, and halved orange. Pour in the 8 cups of water and stir to combine.
6. Cook the stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the stew simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the ingredients submerged.
7. Season and serve: Remove the orange halves and bay leaves from the stew. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the feijoada hot with white rice, sautéed collard greens, and orange slices for a complete meal.

Enjoy your bold and comforting Brazilian Feijoada!