How to Make Authentic Brazilian Feijoada with Smoked Sausage and Black Beans

Simple Summary

Feijoada is a hearty Brazilian stew that combines tender black beans with smoky sausage, creating a rich and flavorful dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight bean soaking)
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 lb pork shoulder, cubed
• 1/2 lb beef brisket, cubed
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups water or beef broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the soaked black beans.

2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.

3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add cubed pork shoulder and beef brisket. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

6. Add the drained black beans, bay leaves, oregano, and cumin to the pot. Stir to combine.

7. Pour in the water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender.

8. Remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes to thicken the stew. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Remove bay leaves before serving.

11. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Chef's Notes

• For a quicker version, you can use canned black beans. Reduce the cooking time to about 1 hour.
• Add a splash of cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane spirit) for an extra layer of flavor.
• Feijoada tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and use vegetable broth, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and carrots.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 450 calories, 25g protein, 30g carbohydrates, 28g fat. Feijoada is rich in fiber from the beans, protein from the meats, and provides essential vitamins and minerals including iron, potassium, and vitamin B12.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Feijoada with white rice, farofa (toasted manioc flour), sautéed collard greens, and orange slices on the side. A caipirinha cocktail makes for an authentic Brazilian pairing. For a complete feast, offer hot sauce and vinaigrette sauce as condiments. This hearty stew is perfect for weekend gatherings or special occasions.