Brazilian Black Beans(Feijoada Completa)
A hearty Brazilian black bean stew featuring salt pork, sausages, and smoked meats, rich in flavors and perfect for gatherings or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 4 c. dried black beans, soaked overnight and drained ⓘ
- 2 lb. salt pork, boiled for 5 minutes and cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 lb. Portuguese sausage (linguica) or Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 lb. smoked lean ham hocks ⓘ
- 2 lb. corned beef, cut into 2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 4 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 fresh orange, washed very well and cut in half ⓘ
- 2 1/2 qt. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy deep pot and stir-fry the chopped onion and crushed garlic for 1 minute or until light golden brown.
- Add the soaked and drained black beans, salt pork, Portuguese sausage, smoked ham hocks, corned beef, salt, bay leaves, halved orange, and water to the pot.
- Cover and simmer the mixture for 2 hours or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed.
- Serve the feijoada with sliced oranges, manioc meal with butter and eggs, Brazilian rice, collard greens, vinaigrette sauce, and cachaca cocktail.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, you can add a tablespoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you can't find salt pork, use a mix of pancetta and regular pork. Feel free to adjust the type of sausage based on your preference, using Italian sausage for a milder taste. Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking and tenderness, so don't skip this step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the feijoada with sliced oranges to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Complement it with Brazilian rice, collard greens, and a side of manioc meal mixed with butter and eggs for a traditional experience. This dish pairs beautifully with Portia'S Spanish Rice(One Dish Meal-Spanish Rice) for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover feijoada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well; portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brazilian Black Beans(Feijoada Completa) contains roughly 489 calories, with 13g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1816mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make feijoada vegetarian?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by using smoked tempeh or mushrooms for depth of flavor. Substitute vegetable broth for water and add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to enhance the dish. This way, you can enjoy the essence of feijoada without meat.
What can I use instead of bay leaves?
If you don't have bay leaves, consider using fresh thyme or oregano for a different herbal note. While the flavor won't be identical, these herbs can add a pleasant aroma and taste to the dish. Just remember to adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the beans.
Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?
Yes, canned black beans can be used for a quicker preparation. If you go this route, skip the soaking and boiling steps, adding them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through and absorb the flavors. However, the texture might differ from using dried beans.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).