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Comforting Authentic Feijoada Black Bean Stew Recipe Easy and Perfect for Beginners

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A hearty and soulful Brazilian black bean stew with smoky sausage, tender pork shoulder, and rich spices, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried black beans (soaked overnight for best texture)
  • 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1/2 pound smoked sausage (chorizo or kielbasa), sliced
  • 4 strips bacon, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium orange
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • About 6 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable broth preferred)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 cups dried black beans, then soak them overnight in plenty of cold water (about 8 cups). For a quick soak, boil for 5 minutes then let sit for 1 hour.
  2. Cut 1 pound pork shoulder into bite-sized chunks. Slice 1/2 pound smoked sausage into rounds. Chop 4 strips of bacon. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  4. Add 1 large diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add pork chunks to the pot and brown on all sides, about 7 minutes.
  6. Drain soaked beans and add them to the pot along with cooked bacon, sliced sausage, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
  7. Pour in about 6 cups water or broth. Add the zest and juice of 1 orange.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and stew is thickened. Add more water or broth if stew becomes too thick.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste near the end of cooking. Remove bay leaves before serving.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with white rice, sautéed collard greens, and orange slices.

Notes

Soak beans overnight for best texture and shorter cooking time. Add salt near the end to avoid toughening beans. If beans are not softening after 1.5 hours, add a pinch of baking soda. The stew tastes better after resting overnight. Can be adapted for slow cooker or vegetarian versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: Feijoada, black bean stew, Brazilian stew, pork shoulder, smoked sausage, comfort food, easy stew, traditional Brazilian recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/comforting-authentic-feijoada-black-bean-stew-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-beginners/