Brazilian Feijoada is a hearty and flavorful black bean stew traditionally made with various cuts of pork. It's a beloved Brazilian dish, often served with rice and greens. A step-by-step guide on how to make Feijoada:
Ingredients:
For the Feijoada:
- 1 pound (450g) black beans, dried
- 1/2 pound (225g) smoked sausage (linguiça)
- 1/2 pound (225g) pork shoulder or loin
- 1/2 pound (225g) pork ribs
- 1/2 pound (225g) smoked pork ribs (costela defumada)
- 1/2 pound (225g) chorizo sausage (calabresa)
- 1/2 pound (225g) beef jerky (carne seca)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Water for cooking
For the Rice:
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
For the Garnish:
- Orange slices
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Beans:
- Rinse the dried black beans thoroughly under running water. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and soak overnight. Alternatively, you can use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for 2-3 minutes, then letting them soak for an hour.
2. Cook the Beans:
- Drain the soaked beans and return them to the pot.
- Add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
- Add the bay leaves and bring the beans to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender. Add more water if needed during cooking.
3. Prepare the Meats:
- While the beans are cooking, prepare the meats. Rinse the smoked and dried meats under cold water to remove excess salt.
- Cut the meats into smaller pieces, if necessary.
4. Brown the Meats:
- In a separate large skillet or pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
- Brown the meats, starting with the sausages and working your way through the other meats.
- Once browned, remove the meats from the pan and set them aside.
5. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are softened and fragrant.
6. Combine the Meats and Beans:
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the pot of cooked black beans.
- Return the browned meats to the pot.
7. Simmer the Feijoada:
- Simmer the Feijoada for another 30-40 minutes, or until the meats are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
9. Serve:
- Serve the Feijoada hot with cooked rice, orange slices, and chopped fresh parsley on the side.
10. Enjoy:
- Enjoy your homemade Brazilian Feijoada, a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Feijoada is often enjoyed with farofa (toasted cassava flour), collard greens, and hot sauce on the side. It's a festive and flavorful dish that's popular in Brazil, especially during celebrations and gatherings.